> For example, if ships were named something like "Peacekeeper" or "Ambassador" rather than "Torturer" or "Thug", it would lead to a perception of peace-keeping as their intended role.
I'm reminded of Star Trek, where the Federation's focus on "peacekeeping and exploration" never stopped it from fitting even the most measly science vessels with phaser banks and maybe some photon torpedo launchers.
Keep in mind that in Star Trek, both phasers and photon torpedoes are versatile tools (the former being useful for all kinds of pinpoint-accuracy energy delivery, the latter being used for sending probes), and in general, Federation's armament is multi-purpose and not really too optimized for combat.
As well, it's got a lot of naval/old west parallels in story and setting. You'd be hard pressed to find a family venturing west in the 1800s that didn't have a few guns on hand, or a sailing ship between Europe and the Americas that didn't have an armory. There are dangers out in the wild spaces between worlds.
I'm reminded of Star Trek, where the Federation's focus on "peacekeeping and exploration" never stopped it from fitting even the most measly science vessels with phaser banks and maybe some photon torpedo launchers.