The NAMES Act requires the Secretary of the Navy to create and publish clear, objective standards for naming and renaming Navy vessels. Under this legislation, the Navy must obtain historical assessments from the Naval History and Heritage Command before assigning any new vessel name, provide written explanations for why specific names were chosen, and justify any decisions that go against the command's primary recommendation. When renaming an existing vessel, the Navy must also explain the historical importance of the old name and why it is being changed. All written determinations and rationales must be shared with congressional defense committees and made available to the public, ensuring transparency in the vessel naming process.