Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead in the ceremonys USS Gravely (DDG-107) is an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer in the United States Navy. His many decorations, honors, and awards attest to his success. U.S. Upon graduating from UCLA, he completed Midshipmen's School at Columbia University and was commissioned an ensign on November 14, 1944. [2], Many of Gravely's later career achievements represented "firsts" for African Americans. Naval Forces Europe area of operations in late 2021 with the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) carrier strike group. 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). After boot camp at the Great Lakes Naval Training Station in Illinois, he attended Officer Training Camp at the University of California at Los Angeles, and then midshipman school at Columbia University. The crew of the Taussig was skeptical at first. He attended Virginia Union University but left before graduating to join the Naval Reserve in 1942. NORFOLK, Va. (June 24, 2022) Cmdr. and vision is so clear to me that it provides constant direction "I still do things for the military," he told Ebony in 1990. ship to life! The Sailors manned the rails, bringing the Navys I have great confidence that you will keep a clean ship, have The same year he graduated, 1948, President Harry S. Truman issued an executive order to integrate the armed forces. His three children and his wife, Alma, survived him. Cmdr. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Nathan T. Beard/Released), NORFOLK, Va. (June 24, 2022) 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. I am both honored and humbled for the opportunity to take command of such a wonderful ship and crew, Cmdr. Ralph E. Wilson, Jr. Sailors visited local 10 March 1984 - 26 April 1986, Captain Education: Attended Officer Training Camp at the University of California, Los Angeles, and midshipman school at Columbia University; Virginia Union University, BA, 1948. [3] She successfully completed sea trials in June 2010. flag, we do it in memory of him and his sacrifice.. In Richmond, the street on which Gravely grew up was renamed "Admiral Gravely Boulevard" in 1977. The ship is named in honor of Vice Admiral Samuel L. Gravely Jr. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication 3rd Class Amber Donnelly, 151116-N-WJ261-033. Photographed by PH1 Carl R. Begy. Robert S. Hayes Truman. U.S. OReilly received his commission from the U.S. Donald Martin Pride in ourselves! 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. USS 29)); to attain flag rank; to become a vice admiral; and to command Gravely was Jouett's commanding officer. He served as Executive Officer and Commanding Officer of the Theodore E. Chandler. Samuel L. Gravely, Jr. The presiding officer was Capt. Gravely commanded Cruiser-Destroyer Group 2. "You have worked tirelessly to get Gravely through a year-long maintenance availability, and it was a wonderful feeling to see your hard work pay off as we got underway for sea trials, returning Gravely to operational status and back into the fight," he said. US Navy photo. The ceremony concluded when Alma ordered the crew, Bring our Leading and serving alongside this crew has been the greatest honor I can imagine, and I am humbled by the effort, commitment and pride that you bring to the ship each and every day. Terms of Use, www.defenselink.mil/releases/2004/nr20041022-1434.html, Karen Gravelle (1942) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Member, Honors Awards, Writings, Sidelights. U.S. He was commissioned in 1944 and served during. USS Gravely (DDG-107) is named in his honor. High 68F. ships sponsor, Alma Gravely. who achieved many firsts as an officer in the United States As the ships seventh captain, OReilly assumed command in Aug. 2019. Threats of harming another No one wanted to live with you, so I volunteered. Gravely was the first African American to command a warship (USS [5] Gravely, Northrop Grumman's 27th Aegis'equipped guided missile destroyer, was commissioned at Wilmington, North Carolina on 20 November 2010. He led Gravely through the final stretch of an eight-month deployment, operating in Arctic waters. [2], At the time of his promotion to rear admiral, he was in command of the guided missile frigate USSJouett(DLG-29). each comment to let us know of abusive posts. U.S. Theodore E. Chandler (DD 717)); to command a warship in combat (USS If junior officers never get a chance to run the ship, pretty soon they are senior officers and they still others were friends and family of Gravely himself, including [2], Gravely's military decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal and Navy Commendation Medal. Samuel Lee Gravely Jr. (June 4, 1922 - October 22, 2004) was a United States Navy officer. principal address. Gravely deployed to the U.S. Gravely was deployed as part of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group. Corey Odom relieved Cmdr. 757-927-1478. For more news from CSG 8 and USS Gravely, visit, www.facebook.com/CSG8, https://www.facebook.com/DDG107, www.facebook.com/usnavy, www.navy.mil, or www.twitter.com/usnavy. "Obituary," United States Department of Defense, www.defenselink.mil/releases/2004/nr20041022-1434.html (January 31, 2005). [1] The ship is named after Vice Admiral Samuel L. Gravely, Jr.[4] Admiral Gravely's wife, Alma Gravely, christened the ship on 16 May 2009 and serves as ship's sponsor. After retirement from the Navy, Gravely kept busy working with the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association. The following year, the U.S. military stepped up recruitment of African Americans. 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. Taussig (DD 746)); to command a major warship (USS Jouett (DLG WILMINGTON, N.C. (Nov. 20, 2010) Sailors man the ship and bring her to life during the commissioning ceremony for the U.S. Navy's newest guided missile destroyer, USS Gravely (DDG 107). Vice Admiral Samuel Lee Gravely Jr. began his illustrious career as a seaman apprentice at Naval Station Great Lakes, Illinois, in 1942. Gravely had received a very friendly reception when he reported for duty aboard the battleship USS Iowa in 1952, but he later found a letter from the Bureau of Naval Personnel to the Iowa's commanding officer, instructing the commander to brief the ship's personnel before Gravely's arrival. "Vice-Admiral Samuel L. Gravely, Jr.," Naval Historical Center, www.history.navy.mil/bios/gravely.htm (January 31, 2005). No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism 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." 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. and its Licensors A year later, he became an adviser to Potomac Systems Engineering, and he continued to travel the world, speaking at conferences on leadership. and inspiration to myself and my crew. In 1961 Gravely became temporary skipper of the USS Theodore E. Chandler, making him the first black naval officer to command a ship. He was in charge of over 100 ships, 60,000 officers, and oversaw more than 50 million square miles of ocean, or about one-fourth of the earth's surface. NORFOLK, Va. -- Cmdr. 23 January 1976 - 31 January 1978, Captain After suffering a stroke,[2] Gravely died at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, on October 22, 2004. Gravely is deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations. 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. Pride in our ships! And we must continue to stress the very rudiments of our professionsmartness, appearance, seamanship, and most importantly, pride. Michael OReilly as commanding officer of the guided-missile destroyer USS Gravely (DDG 107) during a change of command ceremony onboard the ship, Nov. 13. Commanding Officer, USS Gravely (DDG 107) 27 April 2022 Cmdr. [1] He transferred from the Reserve to the regular Navy in 1955 and began to specialize in naval communications. 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. Odom stated in his address to the crew. Corey Odom relieved Cmdr. Odom enlisted in the Navy in 1990 and served ten years in the submarine warfare community. Naval History and Heritage Command photograph, NH 96774. For more news from PCU Gravely (DDG 107), visit 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. As a new recruit, he was 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. [2] An elementary school in Haymarket, Virginia has been named the Samuel L. Gravely Jr. Naval History and Heritage Command photograph, NH 96776. U.S. 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. Sailors aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Cole (DDG 67) heave in mooring lines as the ship departs Naval Station Norfolk. To sign up for free delivery please His 32 official duties included protecting the western sea approaches to the United States, guarding merchant ships in the area, and providing emergency search and rescue aid. Alma Bernice Clark Gravely, wife of the late Vice Adm. Samuel L. His commission came only eight months after the "Golden Thirteen" became the first African-American officers in the U.S. "These types of visits. In 1952, Gravely returned to active duty on board the USS Iowa. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Nathan T. Beard/Released), NORFOLK, Va. (June 24, 2022) Gravely would eventually become the first Black admiral in the U.S. Navy, in 1971. Captain Robert S. Hayes 3 December 1966 - 28 November 1968 . In the 1960s, Gravely served as executive officer and acting commander of USSTheodore E. Chandler(DD-717), commanded USSFalgout(DER-324), helped integration efforts at the Naval War College, served in the Defense Communications Agency, commanded USSTaussig(DD-746), and served as coordinator of the Navys satellite communications program. Corey Odom relieved Cmdr. [12] In May 2022, Gravely was homeported out of Naval Station Norfolk and a part of Destroyer Squadron 28, along with Carrier Strike Group 8 led by the USSHarry S. a numbered fleet (3rd Fleet). Jerrold J. Negin Commissioning Ceremony, USS PC-1264, Lt. Eric S. Purdon in Foreground (U.S. Navy) He added: 'There was one problem. He is also a graduate from the Naval Postgraduate School. Floyston A. 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. 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. Many in veterans who served with him on the USS Taussig and his widow, the The stress of these responsibilities was inescapable, but he fought to relieve them through exercise when he had the time. Captain Edward S. Briggs 2 June 1971 - 25 July 1972. 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. 28 November 1968 - 22 May 1970, Captain 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. Prior to his promotion to rear admiral, Gravely was Jouett's commanding officer. Additionally, he was the Commanding Officer of the USS Falgout, Taussig, and Jouett. Naval History and Heritage Command photograph, NH 96773. Since arriving in theater, the ship has participated. Douglas Kunzman, USS Gravely's Commanding Officer, told Alma Bernice Clark Gravely, wife of the late Vice Adm. Samuel L. Gravely, Jr., that, "Vice Admiral Gravely has made this the easiest job and at times the hardest job. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. Vice Admiral Gravely is honored annually in San Pedro, California, aboard Battleship Iowa, at the Gravely Celebration Experience. President Truman's executive order prohibited segregation, but it could not eliminate racism and hypocrisy among military staff members. 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." Even after his retirement, he maintained the commanding presence that he had honed during his 38 years in the military. [9] In June 2016 while escorting the aircraft carrier USSHarry S. Truman the destroyer had a close encounter with a Russian Navy frigate causing Russian and US Navy officials to accuse each other of dangerous and unprofessional conduct. Prior to his promotion to rear admiral, Capt. 25 July 1972 - 12 February 1974, Captain Be Proactive. Todd Zenner, which include USS Bainbridge (DDG 96), USS Cole (DDG 67), USS Gonzalez (DDG 66), USS Gravely (DDG 107) and USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109); and the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS San Jacinto (CG 56), commanded by Capt. He would remain on active duty until his retirement in 1980. Odom assumed command after completing a 16-month tour as Gravelys executive officer. This January, the U.S. Navy appointed Commanders Kimberly Jones, Kathryn Wijnaldum, and LaDonna Simpson as the commanding officers of the USS Oak Hill, USS Tortuga, and USS Carter Hall. [1] Early life and training [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. 26 April 1986 - 19 August 1988, Captain [2], In 1946, Gravely was released from active duty, remaining in the Naval Reserve. Cole is headed to the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility for a routine deployment focused on ballistic missile defense. Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. The ceremony honored the late Vice Adm. Samuel L. Gravely, Jr., Several years later, on board the USS Seminole, a visitor to the ship remarked that Gravely, then working as operations officer, was "colored." James P. Cormack Gravely was deployed as part of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group. 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. 2 June 1971 - 25 July 1972, Capt. 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. The easiest because his sacrifice 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.". Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. 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. Gerald A. Fulk Cmdr. Gravely was assigned tours of duty aboard PC-1264, USS Iowa, USS Toledo and USS Seminole. He had no immediate plans to return to the navy. Cmdr. [11], On 13 May 2022, Gravely took part in a PASSEX training with the Finnish and Swedish navies in the northern Baltic Sea. OReilly received his commission from the U.S. don't know how." He previously served as Gravelys executive officer from Dec. 2017 to May 2019. Portrait photograph, taken 29 March 1973 by PHC Billings. Gravely's tenure in the naval service was tainted by the difficulties of racial discrimination. You have permission to edit this article. Captain Samuel L. Gravely Jr. photographed circa 1970 while he was commanding officer of USS Jouett (DLG-29). Rear Admiral 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. Gravely was deployed as part of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group. Navy. respect for each other and good morale at sea and on shore at all person will not be tolerated. [8], On 28 March 2016, Gravely provided assistance to USSSirocco, which had seized a stateless dhow transporting weapons. 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. 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. Ebony reported that the ship's captain replied with a completely straight face: "Is that right? This warship is now ready to serve our great nation and carry Getty Images. Locals took advantage of the more than USS Gravely (DDG-107) is an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer in the United States Navy. The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Gravely (DDG 107) returns to Naval Station Norfolk after a regularly scheduled deployment in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts, June 23. He also commanded the radar picket destroyer escort USSFalgout(DE-324) from January 1962 to June 1963. Todd Zenner, which include USS Bainbridge (DDG 96), USS Cole (DDG 67), USS Gonzalez (DDG 66), USS Gravely (DDG 107) and USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109); and the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS San Jacinto (CG 56), commanded by Capt. community before the commissioning. Each year the organization honors trailblazers exemplifying VADM Gravely's leadership and service with the Leadership & Service Award. Be Nice. Prior to his promotion to rear admiral, Gravely was Jouett's commanding officer. 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. 101120-N-3737T-205 3,000 free tours of the ship the Sailors offered. 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. He was the first African American in the U.S. Navy to serve aboard a fighting ship as an officer, the first to command a Navy ship, the first fleet commander, and the first to become a flag officer, retiring as a vice admiral. Welcome aboard and congratulations on your assignment to USS New York (LPD 21) - the finest ship in the fleet! Navy commissions destroyer USS Gravely (DDG 107), Press Release, USS Gravely Public Affairs, WWE steel cage battle; American Nightmare comes to Norfolk. WILMINGTON, N.C. (Nov. 20, 2010) Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. Gary Roughead, left, the Honorable Senator Kay Hagan, and Cmdr. Commanding Officers, Captain [2] Samuel L. Gravely, Jr. officer, Vice Adm. Samuel L. Gravely. Gravely died on October 22, 2004, at the naval hospital in Bethesda, Maryland. Gravely was deployed as part of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group. Gravely was commissioned in 1944 through the college V-12 program and served in World War II on board the submarine chaser USS PC-1264. who accomplished many firsts in his 38 years of service, said

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