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. After the war, Gravely had a brief stint in the civilian world before he was recalled to active duty in 1949. Vice Admiral Gravely is honored annually in San Pedro, California, aboard Battleship Iowa, at the Gravely Celebration Experience. [3] She successfully completed sea trials in June 2010. The guided-missile destroyer USS Gravely (DDG-107) departed Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, for a 7-month deployment to the 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility, 16 November 2015. Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead in the ceremonys 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. Gravely commanded Cruiser-Destroyer Group 2. Hunter D. Washburn Commander Washburn is a native of Andover, Massachusetts where he graduated from Phillips Academy Andover.. Early in his career, Gravely served with distinction as a radio specialist aboard the Iowa, where the ship's communications officer was more interested in his qualifications than his color: "I don't care if he's black, white, or green, all I want is a radio officer!" [6] On 28 October 2013, the destroyers Gravely and Ramage answered a distress call from vessel a carrying immigrants located 160 nautical miles (300km; 180mi) off the coast of Kalamata, Greece. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph. 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. [2], Many of Gravely's later career achievements represented "firsts" for African Americans. He is a graduate of Old Dominion University, Johns Hopkins University, and the Naval War College. [2], Gravely's military decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal and Navy Commendation Medal. OReilly received his commission from the U.S. 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. Patrick Hourigan; the staff and guided-missile destroyers of DESRON 28, commanded by Capt. [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. Cmdr. Ebony, July 1966; September 1977; November 1985; December 1990; June 2, 1997. attendance were family and friends of USS Gravelys crew, while 19 August 1988 - 11 January 1991, Captain All Rights Reserved 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. The ceremony honored the late Vice Adm. Samuel L. Gravely, Jr., R. C. Barnhart 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. According to Cmdr. Gravely's tenure in the naval service was tainted by the difficulties of racial discrimination. As a new recruit, he was Prior to his promotion to rear admiral, Gravely was Jouett's commanding officer. William E. Poling Jerrold J. Negin Odom enlisted in the Navy in 1990 and served ten years in the submarine warfare community. He previously served as Gravelys executive officer from Dec. 2017 to May 2019. Corey Odom relieved Cmdr. 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. Awards: Named Distinguished Virginian by Governor Holton, 1972; Communications Award from the Los Angeles Chapter of the National Association of Media Women, 1972; Major Richard R. Wright Award of Excellence, Savanna State College, 1974; Prince Hall Founding Fathers Military Commanders Award, Scottish Rite Prince Hall Masonic Bodies of Maryland, 1975; San Diego Press Club Military Headliner of the Year, 1975. 28 November 1968 - 22 May 1970, Captain 31 January 1978 - 17 May 1980, Captain 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. Douglas Kunzman, commanding officer of the U.S. Navy's newest guided missile destroyer, USS Gravely (DDG 107), answer questions following the ship's commissioning. Gravely relieved Coogan as commander of Third Fleet. Portrait photograph dated 7 March 1972. The same year he graduated, 1948, President Harry S. Truman issued an executive order to integrate the armed forces. And if in harms way will be ready to stay its course.. Higher wind gusts possible.. Winds WSW at 15 to 25 mph. As the ships seventh captain, OReilly assumed command in Aug. 2019. Many in know that you and our wonderful ship are ready today to go to sea. In Richmond, the street on which Gravely grew up was renamed "Admiral Gravely Boulevard" in 1977. 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. principal address. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Nathan T. Beard/Released), All Hands Magazine is produced by the Defense Media Activity for U.S. Navy Office of Information, Photo By: Mass Communication Specialist Se, SLIDESHOW | 8 images | USS Gravely returns home to Norfolk, 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 Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Moises A. Sandoval, Navy Public Affairs Support Element East, www.facebook.com/CSG8, https://www.facebook.com/DDG107, Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil. You have permission to edit this article. [5] Gravely, Northrop Grumman's 27th Aegis'equipped guided missile destroyer, was commissioned at Wilmington, North Carolina on 20 November 2010. He served as Executive Officer and Commanding Officer of the Theodore E. Chandler. and its Licensors 24 April 1993 - 28 January 1994. Michael OReilly as commanding officer of the guided-missile destroyer USS Gravely (DDG 107) during a change-of-command ceremony onboard the shipNov. 13. Naval History and Heritage Command photograph, NH 96774. The sold-out Norfolk crowd packed the hot arena and were treated to a night full of surprises and great entertainment. Elementary School in his honor. A year later, he became an adviser to Potomac Systems Engineering, and he continued to travel the world, speaking at conferences on leadership. a numbered fleet (3rd Fleet). Gravely was deployed as part of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group. After graduation, he told Ebony, "I planned to teach and coach, but took a job in the post office instead. 101120-N-3737T-229 U.S. [13], On 24 June 2022, Gravely returned to Norfolk.[14]. His flag commands included the Naval Communications Command, Cruiser-Destroyer Group Two, the Eleventh Naval District, Third Fleet, and the Defense Communications Agency. February 15th, DVIDS Hub works best with JavaScript enabled, Version: 378719a7422dbf16a653a31d0524fb9a2058ed47_2023-04-20T10:09:12, Strategic "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. He was buried in Arlington National Cemetery. times. In keeping with these requests from me (and my husband) I 17 May 1980 - 22 May 1982, Captain Captain Samuel L. Gravely, Jr. 22 May 1970 - 2 June 1971. The presiding officer was Capt. The ship proved to be an integral part of the HSTCSG during every phase of deployment. "The United States and Lithuania are celebrating a milestone 100 years of unbroken diplomatic relations in 2022," said Cmdr. that is degrading to another person. 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. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Odom enlisted in the Navy in 1990 and served ten years in the submarine warfare community. www.navy.mil/local/ddg107/. Prior to his promotion to rear admiral, Gravely was Jouett's commanding officer. Appointed by the Commanding Officer, Command Ombudsmen are volunteers and spouses of service members within the command. "These types of visits. During that time he served on the USS Iowa as a communications officer. Gravely was deployed as part of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group. ships sponsor, Alma Gravely. Threats of harming another Donald Martin Gravely deployed to the U.S. A few months later, in January of 1962 having achieved the rank of lieutenant commander he was assigned to the USS Falgout , the first fighting ship to be commanded by an African American officer. His three children and his wife, Alma, survived him. 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. on the example of a great American, a great man and a great naval who accomplished many firsts in his 38 years of service, said In 1971, while Gravely served as commander of USSJouett(DLG-29), he was selected for flag rank. 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. Over the course of his distinguished career as a surface warfare officer, he received many high-level awards to include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, and the Navy Commendation Medal. Previously, he completed a tour as the deputy branch head in the training department at U.S. Fleet Forces Command. 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. He attended Virginia Union University but left before graduating to join the Naval Reserve in 1942. 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. On May 2, 1945, Lt. Samuel L. Gravely Jr. reported aboard PC-1264 as its first Black officer but he never commanded the vessel. Gravely was deployed as part of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group. 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. Photographed by PH1 Carl R. Begy. Brief BiographiesBiographies: Bob Graham (1942-) Biography - Awards to Francis Hendy Biography - Born to Sew, Copyright 2023 Web Solutions LLC. Commanding Gravely has been a tremendously rewarding experience, OReilly told the crew. person will not be tolerated. and inspiration to myself and my crew. His commission came only eight months after the "Golden Thirteen" became the first African-American officers in the U.S. Military awards: Legion of Merit with Gold Star, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Services Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Naval Reserve Medal for 10 years of service in the U.S. He would remain on active duty until his retirement in 1980. Sailors visited local And pride in our Navy!". 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, Subject specific information for the media, Events or announcements of note for the media, An official website of the United States government. While visiting Wilmington, Gravely Sailors were busy meeting the Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. A crowd of approximately 4,000 attended the commissioning 10 March 1984 - 26 April 1986, Captain 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. Corey Odom relieved Cmdr. "I still do things for the military," he told Ebony in 1990. Don't Threaten. He had no immediate plans to return to the navy. He married schoolteacher Alma Bernice Clark later that year; the couple went on to raise three children, Robert, David, and Tracey. 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. COPENHAGEN, Denmark (Jan. 10, 2019) Cmdr. Theodore E. Chandler (DD 717)); to command a warship in combat (USS U.S. After retirement from the Navy, Gravely kept busy working with the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association. Floyston A. respect for each other and good morale at sea and on shore at all 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. 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. U.S. Navy photo, 286696-T-RNR64-112. veterans who served with him on the USS Taussig and his widow, the 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. Following his military retirement, Gravely settled in rural Haymarket, Virginia, and worked as a consultant. The presiding officer was Capt. 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. Cmdr. Odom said in his address to the crew. U.S. Retired Navy Admiral J. Paul Reason was the principal speaker at the ceremony, which was held at Northrop's facility in Pascagoula. "These types of visits. Naval Forces Europe area of operations in late 2021 with the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) carrier strike group. [1] He was also awarded the World War II Victory Medal, the Korean Service Medal with two service stars, the United Nations Korea Medal, and the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation.[2]. and vision is so clear to me that it provides constant direction Odom assumed command after completing a 16-month tour as Gravelys executive officer. 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.. 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. Prior to his promotion to rear admiral, Capt. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. He was commissioned in 1944 and served during. Michael E. Mays don't know how." Patrick Hourigan; the staff and guided-missile destroyers of DESRON 28, commanded by Capt. Navy. James Kenny, commander, Destroyer Squadron 28. U.S. Furthermore, African-American officers were limited to work on large ships. Welcome aboard and congratulations on your assignment to USS New York (LPD 21) - the finest ship in the fleet! A few months later, in January of 1962having achieved the rank of lieutenant commanderhe was assigned to the USS Falgout , the first fighting ship to be commanded by an African American officer. Only the very best Sailors and Marines are assigned to this frontline warship and you should be proud to be among them. Brian Sanchez, Gravely's executive officer. While deployed, the ship was employed by U.S. 6th Fleet to defend U.S., Allied. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. Previously, he completed a tour as the deputy branch head in the training department at U.S. Fleet Forces Command. Gravely, Samuel L., photograph. [2], In 1946, Gravely was released from active duty, remaining in the Naval Reserve. After his official retirement in 1980, he kept active as a military adviser and corporate consultant. 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. who achieved many firsts as an officer in the United States Be Proactive. The military gave me an opportunity to do some things that I thoroughly enjoyed. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Nathan T. Beard/Released), NORFOLK, Va. (June 24, 2022) Naval Forces Europe area of operations in late 2021 with the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) carrier strike group. 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) 101120-N-3737T-165 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. [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. US Navy photo. 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. community before the commissioning. 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. Burke-class guided missile destroyer, USS Gravely (DDG 107), was R. Scott McCartney He was commissioned in 1944 and served during World War II onboard USSPC-1264. There is a much freer atmosphere when junior officers can perform certain tasks. Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. NORFOLK, Va. -- Cmdr. [2][3], Gravely was recalled to active duty in 1949 and worked as a recruiter in Washington, D.C. before holding both shore and sea assignments during the Korean War. Brian Sanchez, Gravely's executive officer. 23 January 1976 - 31 January 1978, Captain 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. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery. Odom stated in his address to the crew. U.S. Education: Attended Officer Training Camp at the University of California, Los Angeles, and midshipman school at Columbia University; Virginia Union University, BA, 1948. Several years later, on board the USS Seminole, a visitor to the ship remarked that Gravely, then working as operations officer, was "colored." Gravely was deployed as part of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group. The crew of the Taussig was skeptical at first. Since arriving in theater, the ship has participated. In 1961 Gravely became temporary skipper of the USS Theodore E. Chandler, making him the first black naval officer to command a ship. Commanding Gravely has been a tremendously rewarding experience, said OReilly to the crew. [3], After receiving basic training at Naval Station Great Lakes, Illinois, Gravely entered the V-12 Navy College Training Program at the University of California, Los Angeles. NORFOLK, Va. (June 24, 2022) Cmdr. his example., Its the hardest because the crew does not want to let you One crew member noted in Ebony, "It makes a big difference in morale. The presiding officer was Capt. My leadership is modeled by Maintenance window scheduled to begin at February 14th 2200 est. Between 1984 and 1987, Gravely served as the executive director of education and training for the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Associations (AFCEA). In fact, they quickly grew to like his style of command, because he gave officers more responsibility than they were usually allowed. In 2001, he earned his commission through the Navys Enlisted Commissioning Program. 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. 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. ceremony held at North Carolina State Ports in Wilmington. hospitals, senior centers and schools and helped beautify an Army newest destroyer to life. "Vice-Admiral Samuel L. Gravely, Jr.," Naval Historical Center, www.history.navy.mil/bios/gravely.htm (January 31, 2005). He is also a graduate from the Naval Postgraduate School. But that doesnt stop Julie Shepard from from helping others while navigating the extraordinary challenges of milit, World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) made their return to Norfolk Scope on May 16, 2022 for their Monday Night Raw television broadcast on USA Network. Share with Us. After proving himself, he was accepted by his staff. ", Gravely also demanded very high standards from his crew. A few months later, in January of 1962having achieved the rank of lieutenant commanderhe was assigned to the USS Falgout, the first fighting ship to be commanded by an African American officer. [2], At the time of his promotion to rear admiral, he was in command of the guided missile frigate USSJouett(DLG-29). Cmdr. R. Frederick Stalder Jr. And we must continue to stress the very rudiments of our professionsmartness, appearance, seamanship, and most importantly, pride. 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. 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. Gravely was the first African American to command a warship (USS Naval History and Heritage Command photo 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. In 1952, Gravely returned to active duty on board the USS Iowa. [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. Subject specific information for the media, Events or announcements of note for the media, An official website of the United States government. He is also a graduate from the Naval Postgraduate School. "Obituary," United States Department of Defense, www.defenselink.mil/releases/2004/nr20041022-1434.html (January 31, 2005). 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. Long after Truman's executive order, the unofficial policy in the navy was to have as few blacks as possible on any ship. WILMINGTON, N.C. (Nov. 20, 2010) Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. Gary Roughead, left, the Honorable Senator Kay Hagan, and Cmdr. I have great confidence that you will keep a clean ship, have He led Gravely through the final stretch of an eight-month deployment, operating in Arctic waters. Corey Odom relieved Cmdr. [1] Early life and training USS Gravely Home Leadership About Us Contact Us Ship Information Mailing Address and Quarterdeck Phone Number UNIT 100337 BOX 1 FPO AE 09570-1221 Quarterdeck: 757-927-1257 Reach out for a. Pride in our ships! We'd love to hear eyewitness others were friends and family of Gravely himself, including An official website of the United States government. Hunter Washburn, commanding officer, of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Gravely (DDG 107) speaks to media on the pier following a. He is a graduate of Old Dominion University, Johns Hopkins University, and the Naval War College. 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. In 1967 he became the first African American to reach the rank of captain, and in 1971 the first to reach rear admiral. Sailors aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Cole (DDG 67) heave in mooring lines as the ship departs Naval Station Norfolk.
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