Pentagon Begins Renaming, Removing Assets Linked to Confederacy

The Defense Department has begun to act on recommendations by the congressional Naming Commission to rename bases, posts, ships, streets and other agency assets affiliated with the confederacy.

On Thursday, the Pentagon said in a news release that William LaPlante, undersecretary of defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, directed all agency organizations to begin full implementation of the Naming Commission recommendations. LaPlante acted at the end of a 90-day congressionally mandated waiting period after the commission, chaired by retired Navy Adm. Michelle Howard, released its third and final report in September.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin signed off on the commission's recommendations in October, and the Pentagon has a deadline of Jan. 1, 2024, to implement them.

Pentagon press secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder said he sees no issues with the Defense Department meeting the deadline.