SAN DIEGO (AP) — A California Republican congressman says the Navy has informed him it plans to name a cargo ship after the late farmworker activist Cesar Chavez — a decision he says is political and unfairly overlooks military war heroes.
Rep. Duncan Hunter said Tuesday he learned of the matter from Navy officials, who have not made their plans public yet.
The member of the House Armed Services Committee says the choice is aimed at making a political statement rather than upholding its history and tradition.
Navy Secretary Ray Mabus is expected to announce the decision on Wednesday when he visits the facilities of General Dynamic NASSCO in San Diego's mostly Hispanic neighborhood, Barrio Logan.
Navy officials have declined to comment on Hunter's statement. Chavez's family members could not be immediately reached for comment.
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