Confronted with the story that the White House tried to keep the USS John McCain out of President Donald Trump’s view when he visited Tokyo, Trump went on a rant, saying “he couldn’t care less” if there was a “boat named after” a McCain.

Such a dismissive insult demeans the namesake, the namesake’s deed and everyone who has served in the McCain.

Teaching college courses on warships, I never once met anyone aboard who did not take pride in the name of the person after whom the ship was named.

While I was aboard the USS Hopper, someone suggested I dress up for Halloween as Grace Hopper, the ship’s namesake, a brilliant woman and one of the few female admirals.

Dressed appropriately in borrowed garb, I was surprised by the number of sailors who wanted to take a picture with me. Their pride was evident, but it was not for the civilian instructor they posed with; it was their moment captured with “Amazing Grace.”

I wonder if Trump realizes the shame he brought upon himself with his heedless words.

Wendy Pollitt

Kaneohe

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