As a full commander, he again made naval history in 1966 as the first black commander to lead a shipthe USS Taussiginto direct offensive action. Threats of harming another Odom said in his address to the crew. There is a much freer atmosphere when junior officers can perform certain tasks. Vice Admiral Gravely is honored annually in San Pedro, California, aboard Battleship Iowa, at the Gravely Celebration Experience. 22 May 1970 - 2 June 1971, Captain [2], In late August 2013 along with her sister ships Mahan, Barry, and Ramage, Gravely was sent to patrol the eastern Mediterranean Sea in response to rising rumors of an imminent US military intervention in the Syrian civil war. 10 March 1984 - 26 April 1986, Captain MC1 Lolita Lewis. Captain Samuel L. Gravely Jr. photographed circa 1970 while he was commanding officer of USS Jouett (DLG-29). 101120-N-3737T-229 He is a graduate of Old Dominion University, Johns Hopkins University, and the Naval War College. This was Gravely's first change of command since being commissioned in November 2010. Samuel Lee Gravely Jr. (June 4, 1922 October 22, 2004) was a United States Navy officer. The USS Gravely (DDG 109) returns home to Naval Station Norfolk, June 24, 2022, after a mont", List of destroyers of the United States Navy, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=USS_Gravely&oldid=1145097091, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, 1 32-cell, 1 64-cell (96 total cells), This page was last edited on 17 March 2023, at 07:18. Gravely was deployed as part of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group. [1], Gravely was born on June 4, 1922 in Richmond, Virginia, the oldest of five children of Mary George Gravely and postal worker Samuel L. Gravely Sr. Getty Images. Captain Robert S. Hayes 3 December 1966 - 28 November 1968 . The ceremony honored the late Vice Adm. Samuel L. Gravely, Jr., As an official command representative, the Ombudsman is a point of contact for all family members connected to the command - including spouses, parents, and extended family members. "These types of visits. Welcome aboard and congratulations on your assignment to USS New York (LPD 21) - the finest ship in the fleet! 101120-N-3737T-205 He returned to his hometown of Richmond and re-enrolled at Virginia Union University, graduating in 1948 with a degree in history and then working as a railway postal clerk. The easiest because his sacrifice Corey Odom relieved Cmdr. In fact, they quickly grew to like his style of command, because he gave officers more responsibility than they were usually allowed. Rear Admiral Samuel L. Gravely Jr. (center) received congratulations from other officers following the ceremony marking his promotion to flag rank onboard USS Jouett (DLG-29) at San Diego, California, 2 June 1971. USS Gravely (DDG-107) is an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer in the United States Navy. This work, USS Gravely holds Change of Command, by PO1 Jacob Milham, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright. David Dry, commanding officer USS Gravely (DDG 107), is saluted as he walks through the sideboys after a change of command ceremony held on board the ship at Naval Station Norfolk Dec. 15. U.S. After a short stint at the post office himself, Gravely responded to the call to arms issued during the Second World War and joined the U.S. Navy. As Navy wife Sarah King describes it, its a life that teaches you to be resilient, strong and courageous.. 11 January 1991 - 24 April 1993, Commander A native of Richmond, Virginia, Gravely would go on to be the U.S. Navys first African-American commander, captain, rear admiral, and vice admiral. Elementary School in his honor. trained in a segregated unit; as an officer, he was barred from living in the Bachelor's Officers' Quarters. The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group (HSTCSG) includes flagship USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75); the nine squadrons of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1, commanded by Capt. The sold-out Norfolk crowd packed the hot arena and were treated to a night full of surprises and great entertainment. 24 April 1993 - 28 January 1994. Gravely's tenure in the naval service was tainted by the difficulties of racial discrimination. Douglas Kunzman, USS Gravelys Commanding Officer, told After suffering a stroke,[2] Gravely died at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, on October 22, 2004. He learned early on that he was, as he told Ebony magazine, "saving America for democracy, but not allowed to participate in the goddamn thing." www.navy.mil/local/ddg107/. The destroyer USSGravely(DDG-107), commissioned in 2010, was named in his honor.[3]. Gravely, Samuel L., photograph. Gravely knew that the briefing pertained to his race, and he later told Ebony: "I gave the letter to my roommate and suggested that it be returned to the ship's office. The Sailors of USS Cole (DDG 67) and USS Gravely (DDG 107) have been very busy in the Atlantic lately, supporting two major exercises and honing their skills in multiple areas of maritime operations and tactics., U.S. Fleet Forces Command (USFFC) . The 56th Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, USS Gravely is homeported in Norfolk and named after Vice Adm. Samuel Lee Gravely, Jr. Adm. Gravely became the first African-American to command a U.S. Navy warship, the first African-American to command an American warship under combat conditions, the first African-American to command a major naval warship, the first African-American admiral, the first African-American to rise to the rank of vice admiral, and the first African-American to command a U.S. Fleet. Commissioning Ceremony, USS PC-1264, Lt. Eric S. Purdon in Foreground (U.S. Navy) Gravely was launched on 30 March 2009. Gravely was deployed as part of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group. USS Gravely is the first unit to return from the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group, which deployed in December. and vision is so clear to me that it provides constant direction VA Vet Center (Supports vets, service members, and their families), Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil. Naval History and Heritage Command photograph, NH 96777. WILMINGTON, N.C. The Navys newest Arleigh Captain R. Frederick Stalder Jr. 12 February 1974 - 23 January 1976 . 23 January 1976 - 31 January 1978, Captain [8], On 28 March 2016, Gravely provided assistance to USSSirocco, which had seized a stateless dhow transporting weapons. Before June 1, 1942, African Americans could only enlist in the Navy as messmen; PC-1264 and Mason were intended to test the ability of African Americans to perform general Navy service. 31 January 1978 - 17 May 1980, Captain Gravely, Jr., that, Vice Admiral Gravely has made this the easiest "Operating with Allies and. Prior to his promotion to rear admiral, Capt. U.S. Previously, he completed a tour as the deputy branch head in the training department at U.S. Fleet Forces Command. "Obituary," United States Department of Defense, www.defenselink.mil/releases/2004/nr20041022-1434.html (January 31, 2005). WILMINGTON, N.C. (Nov. 20, 2010) Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. Gary Roughead, left, the Honorable Senator Kay Hagan, and Cmdr. Since arriving in theater, the ship has participated. He is also a graduate from the Naval Postgraduate School. respect for each other and good morale at sea and on shore at all After graduation, he told Ebony, "I planned to teach and coach, but took a job in the post office instead. An official website of the United States government. Cmdr. who accomplished many firsts in his 38 years of service, said I am both honored and humbled for the opportunity to take command of such a wonderful ship and crew, Cmdr. Gravely also operated alongside the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group, comprised of Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), dock landing ship Gunston Hall (LPD 44), and amphibious transport dock USS Arlington (LPD 24) with the embarked 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). [13], On 24 June 2022, Gravely returned to Norfolk.[14]. [2], Gravely began his seagoing career as the only black officer aboard the submarine chaser USSPC-1264, which was one of two U.S. Navy ships (the other being USSMason(DE-529)) with a predominantly black enlisted crew. In 1961 Gravely became temporary skipper of the USS Theodore E. Chandler, making him the first black naval officer to command a ship. Portrait photograph dated 7 March 1972. Interrupting his education at Virginia Union University, Gravely enlisted in the U.S. [2] An elementary school in Haymarket, Virginia has been named the Samuel L. Gravely Jr. In 1961 Gravely became temporary skipper of the USS Theodore E. Chandler, making him the first black naval officer to command a ship. In 1978 Gravely became the director of the Defense Communications Agency and was able to move home to Virginia from his base in Hawaii. and its Licensors Sailors visited local Hunter Washburn, commanding officer, of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Gravely (DDG 107) speaks to media on the pier following a return to Naval Station Norfolk after a regularly scheduled deployment in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts, June 23. Navy commissions destroyer USS Gravely (DDG 107), Press Release, USS Gravely Public Affairs, WWE steel cage battle; American Nightmare comes to Norfolk. Career: U.S. Navy, career military officer, 1942-80; became vice admiral; commander, USS Falgout, 1962; commander, Third Fleet, 1976-78; director of Defense Communications Agency, 1978-80; Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Associations (AFCEA), executive director of education and training, 1984-87. Odom enlisted in the Navy in 1990 and served ten years in the submarine warfare community. He had no immediate plans to return to the navy. He eventually earned a reputation as an expert in naval communications. USS Gravely (DDG-107) is an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer in the United States Navy. He led Gravely through the final stretch of an eight-month deployment, operating in Arctic waters. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism After retirement from the Navy, Gravely kept busy working with the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association. Michael O'Reilly as commanding officer of the guided-missile destroyer USS Gravely (DDG 107) during a change-of-command ceremony onboard the ship Nov. 13.. down, said Kunzman. racist or sexually-oriented language. The professionalism and fortitude the Gravely has shown during this deployment has not gone unnoticed, said Rear Adm. Paul Spedero, commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 8. Naval Academy in 2001 with a degree in Systems Engineering. Prior to his promotion to rear admiral, Gravely was Jouett's commanding officer. 25 July 1972 - 12 February 1974, Captain [10] On 11 March 2019, as part of Carrier Strike Group Eight (CSG-8), Gravely received the Meritorious Unit Commendation award in support of Operation Inherent Resolve during the 2015-2016 deployment. call 757-446-9000 or email Distribution@pilotonline.com, Military spouses endure all of lifes regular difficulties, with the added pressure of frequent moves and partners whose duties may call them away from home for long stretches. [11], On 13 May 2022, Gravely took part in a PASSEX training with the Finnish and Swedish navies in the northern Baltic Sea. Retired Vice Admiral Samuel Gravely, the Navy's first black flag officer, strolled past an exhibit of the first African-American West Point graduate, the Buffalo Soldiers, and African Americans who fought in the Revolutionary War and Civil War. the senior officer once declared, according to Ebony. USS Gravely (DDG-107) is named in his honor. Each year the organization honors trailblazers exemplifying VADM Gravely's leadership and service with the Leadership & Service Award. [2], At the time of his promotion to rear admiral, he was in command of the guided missile frigate USSJouett(DLG-29). I have great confidence that you will keep a clean ship, have I am both honored and humbled for the opportunity to take command of such a wonderful ship and crew, Cmdr. accounts, the history behind an article. James Kenny, commander, Destroyer Squadron 28. R. Frederick Stalder Jr. Between 1984 and 1987, Gravely served as the executive director of education and training for the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Associations (AFCEA). Christopher Marvin. Adm. Gravely was highly decorated with the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, and Navy Commendation Medal. Following his military retirement, Gravely settled in rural Haymarket, Virginia, and worked as a consultant. 5-inch (127 mm)/62 Mk 45 Mod 4 (lightweight gun), "PCU Gravely Arrives in Wilmington for Commissioning", "Navy Christens Newest Arleigh Burke Class Ship Gravely", "Navy Names Newest Arleigh Burke Class Ship USS Gravely", "Pascagoula-built destroyer Gravely returns from sea trial", "U.S. and U.K. Move Ships Closer to Syria", "U.S. ships head towards migrant vessel in distress off Greece", "Destroyer Gravely returns to Norfolk Naval Station", "U.S. Navy Seizes Suspected Iranian Arms Shipment Bound for Yemen", "US Officials Say Russian Warship Intentionally Interfered With Navy Operations", "CSG 8 Receives MUC for 2015-2016 Deployment", "Finnish Navy Holds Drills In Northern Baltic Sea", "USNI News Fleet and Marine Tracker: May 23, 2022", "Welcome Home! Since arriving in theater, the ship has participated. Jerrold J. Negin All Hands Magazine is produced by the Defense Media Activity for U.S. Navy Office of Information, SLIDESHOW | 2 images | 140328-N-WX580-078, Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic (AIRLANT), Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic (SURFLANT), Commander, Submarine Force Atlantic (SUBLANT), Navy Munitions Command Atlantic (NMCLANT), Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command (METOC), by U.S. Fleet Forces Command Public Affairs and Jim DeAngio, Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil. Previously, he completed a tour as the deputy branch head in the training department at U.S. Fleet Forces Command. Hunter Washburn, Gravely's commanding officer. Captain Edward S. Briggs 2 June 1971 - 25 July 1972. Gravely was deployed as part of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group. Sailors aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Cole (DDG 67) heave in mooring lines as the ship departs Naval Station Norfolk. Corey Odom relieved Cmdr. Every time we walk the brow or salute the He quickly rose to officer rank. Born in 1922 in Richmond, Virginia, Gravely came from a family committed to government service. R. C. Barnhart A surface warrior and a man [3] She successfully completed sea trials in June 2010. Captain Samuel L. Gravely Jr. speaking at the ceremony marking his promotion to flag rank on board USS Jouett (DLG-29) at San Diego, California, 2 June 1971. Long after Truman's executive order, the unofficial policy in the navy was to have as few blacks as possible on any ship. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Nathan T. Beard/Released), Photo By: Mass Communication Specialist Se, VA Vet Center (Supports vets, service members, and their families), www.facebook.com/CSG8, https://www.facebook.com/DDG107, Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil. Burke-class guided missile destroyer, USS Gravely (DDG 107), was [1] Early life and training Gravely deployed to the U.S. When he saw that I had read the letter, he immediately began to tell me about the briefing, how delighted everyone was with my being assigned, and how I must have been a fine guy to have earned a commission. person will not be tolerated. NORFOLK, Va. (June 24, 2022) Naval History and Heritage Command photograph, NH 96778. What color is he?". Plan. (This man later became godfather to Gravely's eldest child.) Only the very best Sailors and Marines are assigned to this frontline warship and you should be proud to be among them. In a fitting tribute, the obituary on the U.S. Department of Defense Web site quoted Gravely's formula for success: "My formula is simply education plus motivation plus perseverance.". hospitals, senior centers and schools and helped beautify an Army At the peak of his career, Samuel L. Gravely, Jr. was the highest-ranking African American officer in the U.S. Navy, a three-star vice admiral. Naval Forces Europe area of operations in late 2021 with the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) carrier strike group. DANFS - Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, Permitting Policy and Resource Management, The 9/11 Terrorist Attacks: 20 Years Later, "Ex Scientia Tridens": The U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command photograph, NH 96773. [1] He transferred from the Reserve to the regular Navy in 1955 and began to specialize in naval communications. US Navy photo. or anything. Samuel Lee Gravely Jr. (June 4, 1922 - October 22, 2004) was a United States Navy officer. The military gave me an opportunity to do some things that I thoroughly enjoyed. U.S. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Nathan T. Beard/Released), NORFOLK, Va. (June 24, 2022) Share with Us. His flag commands included the Naval Communications Command, Cruiser-Destroyer Group Two, the Eleventh Naval District, Third Fleet, and the Defense Communications Agency. NORFOLK, Va. (June 24, 2022) Cmdr. Gravely also operated alongside the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group, comprised of Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), dock landing ship Gunston Hall (LPD 44), and amphibious transport dock USS Arlington (LPD 24) with the embarked 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). He was later named the Director of Naval Communications. He was the first African American to reach the rank of captain, and when he boarded his first ship in May of 1945, he became its first black officer. Naval Forces Europe area of operations in late 2021 with the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) carrier strike group. In Richmond, the street on which Gravely grew up was renamed "Admiral Gravely Boulevard" in 1977. ", As a trailblazer for African Americans in the military arena, Gravely fought for equal rights quietly but effectively, letting his actions speak for him. Patrick Hourigan; the staff and guided-missile destroyers of DESRON 28, commanded by Capt. Cloudy skies. For the remainder of World War II, PC-1264 conducted patrols and escort missions along the east coast of the U.S. and south to the Caribbean. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. Don't knowingly lie about anyone The new destroyer honors the late Vice Adm. Samuel L. Gravely Jr., who was the first African American to command a warship, USS Theodore E. Chandler (DD 717); to command a major warship, USS Jouett (DLG/CG-29); to achieve flag rank and eventually vice admiral; and to command a numbered fleet, the U.S. 3rd Fleet. The ship and crew also completed an 11-month maintenance period at General Dynamics-NASSCO shipyard in Norfolk, Virginia, and recently returned to underway operations and sea trials. attendance were family and friends of USS Gravelys crew, while Gravely was deployed as part of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group. Born Samuel Lee Gravely, Jr., on June 4, 1922, in Richmond, VA; died on October 22, 2004, in Bethesda, MD; son of Samuel L. (a postal worker) and Mary George Gravely; married Alma Bernice Clark, 1946; children: Robert (deceased), David, Tracy. He is also a graduate from the Naval Postgraduate School. 312 officers and enlisted: Armament: Guns: 5-inch (127 mm)/62 Mk 45 Mod 4 (lightweight gun) 1 20 mm Phalanx CIWS; 2 25 mm Mk 38 Machine Gun System; . Gravely deployed to the U.S. Naval Academy, The Sullivan Brothers and the Assignment of Family Members, Historic Former U.S. Navy Bases and Stations, The African American Experience in the U.S. Navy, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the U.S. Navy, Contributions of Native Americans to the U.S. Navy, The World Cruise of the Great White Fleet, Navy Underwater Archaeology Return Program, Annual Navy History and Heritage Awards - Main, Research Permits for Sunken & Terrestrial Military Craft, Scanning, Copyright & Citation Information, Obtain Duplications of Records and Photos, Vice Admiral Samuel L. Gravely: The Man Behind the Legend, Vice Admiral Samuel L. Gravely Jr.: Naval Officer, Trailblazer. For more news from C2F, visit https://www.c2f.navy.mil and for more information visit http://www.facebook.com/US2ndFleet or http://twitter.com/US2ndFleet, An official website of the United States government, NORFOLK, Va. (June 24, 2022) OReilly received his commission from the U.S. Brian Sanchez, Gravely's executive officer. VADM Samuel L. Gravely, Jr., USN, Retirement Ceremony (1980), Last edited on 25 February 2023, at 19:33, Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, "Samuel L. Gravely Jr., 82, First Black Admiral in Navy, Dies", Samuel Gravely's oral history video excerpts, "Navy Announces Death of Retired Vice Adm. Samuel L. Gravely Jr", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Samuel_L._Gravely_Jr.&oldid=1141578552, This page was last edited on 25 February 2023, at 19:33. The ceremony concluded when Alma ordered the crew, Bring our "The United States and Lithuania are celebrating a milestone 100 years of unbroken diplomatic relations in 2022," said Cmdr. ships sponsor, Alma Gravely. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. Be Truthful. Throughout his long career, Gravely was not only the first African American officer to become an admiral, but was also the first to serve onand later commanda fighting ship. Gravely was assigned tours of duty aboard PC-1264, USS Iowa, USS Toledo and USS Seminole. OReilly received his commission from the U.S. The ship and crew also completed an eleven-month maintenance period at General Dynamics-NASSCO shipyard in Norfolk, and recently returned to underway operations and Sea Trials. "Exercises with our Allies and partners allowed for a more cohesive alliance and fluid operations," said Cmdr. Gravely was the first African American to command a warship (USS [2], In 1946, Gravely was released from active duty, remaining in the Naval Reserve. He attended Virginia Union University but left before graduating to join the Naval Reserve in 1942. Be Proactive. During the Vietnam War he commanded the destroyer USSTaussig(DD-746) as it performed plane guard duty and gunfire support off the coast of Vietnam in 1966, making him the first African American to lead a ship into combat. In a 1977 address to navy officers, as quoted in Ebony, he stated: "We must improve our individual understanding of our fundamental warfare skills. He was also known to drink up to thirty cups of coffee a day and chain-smoke. She was authorized on 13 September 2002 and her keel was laid down on 26 November 2007 at Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding's Ingalls Shipbuilding shipyard in Pascagoula, Mississippi. The crew gained an invaluable amount of knowledge of the region during their operations on this deployment, and their relationship with our Allies and partner nations show just how impactful our strike group ships can be. To sign up for free delivery please each comment to let us know of abusive posts. Even after his retirement, he maintained the commanding presence that he had honed during his 38 years in the military. Commissioned in 2010, she has been on several overseas deployments. NORFOLK, Va. -- Cmdr. I guess the urge for government service was just that overpowering." NORFOLK, Va. - The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Gravely (DDG 109) returned to Naval Station Norfolk after a regularly scheduled deployment, June 24. Vice Admiral Samuel L. Gravely, Jr., (center), Vice Admiral Robert P. Coogan (right), and an unidentified commander (left) saluting during the Third Fleet Change of Command ceremony on board USS Reeves (CG-24) at the Naval Supply Center, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, 10 September 1976. Rear Admiral Samuel L. Gravely Jr. Justin Hodges, commanding officer of the guided-missile destroyer USS Gravely (DDG 107), observes a conning display while preparing to moor in Copenhagen, Denmark. On May 2, 1945, Lt. Samuel L. Gravely Jr. reported aboard PC-1264 as its first Black officer but he never commanded the vessel. President Truman's executive order prohibited segregation, but it could not eliminate racism and hypocrisy among military staff members. Gerald A. Fulk And pride in our Navy!". Naval Reserve in 1942. Gravely relieved Coogan as commander of Third Fleet. Prior to his promotion to rear admiral, Gravely was Jouett's commanding officer. Thomas J Gregory Jet, February 5, 1970; June 5, 1975; August 28, 1980; November 8, 2004; November 15, 2004. 2 June 1971 - 25 July 1972, Capt. Once the weapons were offloaded, the dhow and its crew were released. After the war, Gravely had a brief stint in the civilian world before he was recalled to active duty in 1949. From 1976 to 1978, he commanded the Third Fleet based in Hawaii, then transferred to Virginia to direct the Defense Communications Agency until his retirement in 1980. Odom stated in his address to the crew. and inspiration to myself and my crew. Brian Sanchez, Gravely's executive officer. Use the 'Report' link on Gravely's escort was Navy Lieutenant Commander Desiree Linson, who worked for the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Manpower and Reserve Affairs. Gravely deployed to the U.S. In 1961 Gravely became temporary skipper of the USS Theodore E. Chandler, making him the first black naval officer to command a ship. 101120-N-3737T-165 COPENHAGEN, Denmark (Jan. 10, 2019) Cmdr. An MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter from the Swamp Foxes of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 74 flies by the guided-missile destroyer USS Gravely (DDG 107). This warship is now ready to serve our great nation and carry Ralph E. Wilson, Jr. After four decades of service in the U.S. Navy, he held no illusions about the status of race relations in the military but, according to Ebony, readily admitted: "I basically grew up in the military. The military did a lot for me, and hopefully, I did some things for it." In 1976 Gravely became the commander of the entire third fleet. USS Jouett DLG/CG-29 Commanding Officers . principal address. flag, we do it in memory of him and his sacrifice.. The 56th Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, USS Gravely is homeported in Norfolk and named after Vice Adm. Samuel Lee Gravely, Jr. Adm. Gravely became the first African-American to command a U.S. Navy warship, the first African-American to command an American warship under combat conditions, the first African-American to command a major naval warship, the first African-American admiral, the first African-American to rise to the rank of vice admiral, and the first African-American to command a U.S. Fleet. U.S. Navy photo, 286696-T-RNR64-112. James P. Cormack The easiest because his sacrifice and vision is so clear to me that it provides constant direction and . The ship proved to be an integral part of the HSTCSG during every phase of deployment. His father, Samuel L. Gravely Sr., was a postal worker, and his siblings worked at various government posts with the Veterans Administration and the Internal Revenue Service. One crew member noted in Ebony, "It makes a big difference in morale. Education: Attended Officer Training Camp at the University of California, Los Angeles, and midshipman school at Columbia University; Virginia Union University, BA, 1948. Hunter D. Washburn Commander Washburn is a native of Andover, Massachusetts where he graduated from Phillips Academy Andover.. After serving as a communications, electronics, and personnel officer, Gravely left the navy in 1946 to get married and return to school; in 1948, he earned a degree in history from Virginia Union University. Gravely said in the same article, "You have to have faith in your executive officers and department heads, and they have to have it in their junior officers. According to Cmdr. Captain Samuel L. Gravely, Jr. 22 May 1970 - 2 June 1971. Alma Bernice Clark Gravely, wife of the late Vice Adm. Samuel L. She is named after Vice Admiral Samuel L. Gravely, Jr. Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion.
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