USS Harmon (DE-678), a John C. Butler-class destroyer escort, was commissioned into the United States Navy, becoming the first Navy ship to be named after a black individual. Honoring Ensign Jesse L. Brown, notable for his contributions as the Navy’s first African American naval aviator, the commissioning took place amid World War II, a period that saw increasing demands for racial equity in the armed forces. The ship served not only as a vessel of defense but also as a powerful emblem of change in the military's treatment of African Americans.

The commissioning ceremony highlighted the importance of recognizing the contributions of African Americans to the military, particularly as the country confronted the dual challenges of war and racial segregation. The event took place in a context where black service members were often overlooked, despite their significant roles in military successes. USS Harmon’s service would serve both strategic military purposes and as a vehicle for promoting social change within the Navy and broader society.

USS Harmon was actively involved in vital operations in the Atlantic and Pacific theaters, asserting its significance beyond its symbolic naming. The inclusion of a ship named in honor of a black serviceman in the Navy’s fleet was a critical step towards integration and laid the groundwork for future advancements toward equality within the armed forces. Following the war, the integration efforts led to further changes in Navy policy, reinforcing the importance of representation and leadership diversity.