Gravely died on October 22, 2004, at the naval hospital in Bethesda, Maryland. R. Scott McCartney Only the very best Sailors and Marines are assigned to this frontline warship and you should be proud to be among them. USS Gravely (DDG-107) is an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer in the United States Navy. Odom assumed command after completing a 16-month tour as Gravelys executive officer. Naval History and Heritage Command photograph, NH 96778. The presiding officer was Capt. 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. We must improve the performance and productivity of our people. Terms of Use, www.defenselink.mil/releases/2004/nr20041022-1434.html, Karen Gravelle (1942) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Member, Honors Awards, Writings, Sidelights. ", Gravely also demanded very high standards from his crew. 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. [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. 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. 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. Gravely is the 57th destroyer in her class. 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) Vincent Libasci, commanding officer, USS Cole, Black Widow has provided an . R. Frederick Stalder Jr. 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. 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. newest destroyer to life. [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]. Naval Reserve in 1942. Welcome aboard and congratulations on your assignment to USS New York (LPD 21) - the finest ship in the fleet! You have permission to edit this article. There is a much freer atmosphere when junior officers can perform certain tasks. [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. After a postwar stint of civilian life, he was recalled to active duty in 1949 as a recruiter and remained in active service until his retirement in 1980. Ralph E. Wilson, Jr. No one wanted to live with you, so I volunteered. 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. U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command photograph, NH 96776. Cole is headed to the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility for a routine deployment focused on ballistic missile defense. 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. Gravely was deployed as part of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. Corey Odom relieved Cmdr. 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. 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. 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. 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.. Gravely deployed to the U.S. know that you and our wonderful ship are ready today to go to sea. An essay competition for U.S. History high school students that explores VADM Gravely's motto Education, Motivation, Perseverance is affiliated with the annual event. Naval Forces Europe area of operations in late 2021 with the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) carrier strike group. Corey Odom relieved Cmdr. [1] Early life and training times. Gravely's escort was Navy Lieutenant Commander Desiree Linson, who worked for the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Manpower and Reserve Affairs. He had Korean War service in the battleship USS Iowa . Captain Samuel L. Gravely Jr. photographed circa 1970 while he was commanding officer of USS Jouett (DLG-29). 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. James Kenny, commander, Destroyer Squadron 28. After the war, Gravely had a brief stint in the civilian world before he was recalled to active duty in 1949. principal address. [2] An elementary school in Haymarket, Virginia has been named the Samuel L. Gravely Jr. Use the 'Report' link on 101120-N-3737T-229 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. Be Proactive. And we must continue to stress the very rudiments of our professionsmartness, appearance, seamanship, and most importantly, pride. OReilly received his commission from the U.S. We'd love to hear eyewitness USS veterans who served with him on the USS Taussig and his widow, the Hunter Washburn, commanding officer, of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Gravely (DDG 107) speaks to media on the pier following a. 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. 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. Furthermore, African-American officers were limited to work on large ships. 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." As the ships seventh captain, OReilly assumed command in Aug. 2019. Commanding Gravely has been a tremendously rewarding experience, OReilly told the crew. Once the weapons were offloaded, the dhow and its crew were released. 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. Commanding Officer, USS Gravely (DDG 107) 27 April 2022 Cmdr. ", As a trailblazer for African Americans in the military arena, Gravely fought for equal rights quietly but effectively, letting his actions speak for him. Gravely was deployed as part of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group. [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. Samuel Lee Gravely Jr. (June 4, 1922 October 22, 2004) was a United States Navy officer. 29)); to attain flag rank; to become a vice admiral; and to command The military gave me an opportunity to do some things that I thoroughly enjoyed. Naval Academy in 2001 with a degree in Systems Engineering. As a new recruit, he was [2], In 1946, Gravely was released from active duty, remaining in the Naval Reserve. Between 1984 and 1987, Gravely served as the executive director of education and training for the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Associations (AFCEA). He added: 'There was one problem. President Truman's executive order prohibited segregation, but it could not eliminate racism and hypocrisy among military staff members. He would remain on active duty until his retirement in 1980. NORFOLK, Va. -- Cmdr. Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic Subscribe 6 Cmdr. Capt. down, said Kunzman. He was later named the Director of Naval Communications. All Rights Reserved Odom enlisted in the Navy in 1990 and served ten years in the submarine warfare community. Captain Samuel L. Gravely, Jr. 22 May 1970 - 2 June 1971. [2], At the time of his promotion to rear admiral, he was in command of the guided missile frigate USSJouett(DLG-29). WILMINGTON, N.C. The Navys newest Arleigh and inspiration to myself and my crew. Adm. Gravely was highly decorated with the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, and Navy Commendation Medal. USS Gravely (DDG-107) is named in his honor. 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. 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. Corey Odom relieved Cmdr. Adm. Gravely was highly decorated with the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, and Navy Commendation Medal. 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. He previously served as Gravelys executive officer from Dec. 2017 to May 2019. MC1 Lolita Lewis. Brian Sanchez, Gravely's executive officer. Odom said in his address to the crew. The easiest because his sacrifice In 1976 Gravely became the commander of the entire third fleet. Naval History and Heritage Command photograph, NH 96775. In 1976, while serving as commander of Third Fleet, Gravely was promoted to vice admiral. [5] Gravely, Northrop Grumman's 27th Aegis'equipped guided missile destroyer, was commissioned at Wilmington, North Carolina on 20 November 2010. Commanding Gravely has been a tremendously rewarding experience, said OReilly to the crew. commissioned in Wilmington, N.C., Nov. 20. Long after Truman's executive order, the unofficial policy in the navy was to have as few blacks as possible on any ship. From 15 February 1961 to 21 October 1961, he served as the first African-American officer to command a U.S. Navy ship, the USSTheodore E. Chandler(DD-717) (Robert Smalls had briefly commanded a Navy ship in the American Civil War, although he was a civilian, not a Navy officer). I am both honored and humbled for the opportunity to take command of such a wonderful ship and crew, Cmdr. Gravely is deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations. As far back as 1945, when his first ship reached its berth in Key West Florida, he was specifically forbidden entry into the Officers' Club on the base. accounts, the history behind an article. Plan. Cmdr. others were friends and family of Gravely himself, including Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph. After graduation, he told Ebony, "I planned to teach and coach, but took a job in the post office instead. flag, we do it in memory of him and his sacrifice.. that is degrading to another person. 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. "These types of visits. Cmdr. Jet, February 5, 1970; June 5, 1975; August 28, 1980; November 8, 2004; November 15, 2004. The sold-out Norfolk crowd packed the hot arena and were treated to a night full of surprises and great entertainment. and vision is so clear to me that it provides constant direction She is named after Vice Admiral Samuel L. Gravely, . Michael E. Mays A native of Richmond, Virginia, Gravely would go on to be the U.S. Navy's first African-American commander, captain, rear admiral, and vice admiral. Jerrold J. Negin Higher wind gusts possible.. Elementary School in Haymarket, Virginia was named after him in 2008. Born in 1922 in Richmond, Virginia, Gravely came from a family committed to government service. Jouett DLG/CG-29 Then-Rear Adm. Samuel L. Gravely speaking at the ceremony marking his promotion to flag rank, on board USS Jouett (DLG-29) at San Diego, Calif., June 2, 1971. Sailors aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Cole (DDG 67) heave in mooring lines as the ship departs Naval Station Norfolk. 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. Edward S. Briggs 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. 25 July 1972 - 12 February 1974, Captain Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. 19 August 1988 - 11 January 1991, Captain 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. each comment to let us know of abusive posts. NORFOLK, Va. (June 24, 2022) 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). He previously served as Gravelys executive officer from December2017 to May 2019. [2] He had attempted to enlist in the U.S. Army in 1940 but was turned away due to a supposed heart murmur. 10 March 1984 - 26 April 1986, Captain 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. Appointed by the Commanding Officer, Command Ombudsmen are volunteers and spouses of service members within the command. 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. He was commissioned in 1944 and served during World War II onboard USSPC-1264. Kicking off the broadc, Life as a military spouse is a life like no other. In 1967 he became the first African American to reach the rank of captain, and in 1971 the first to reach rear admiral. The presiding officer was Capt. In 1961 Gravely became temporary skipper of the USS Theodore E. Chandler, making him the first black naval officer to command a ship. on the example of a great American, a great man and a great naval High 68F. 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. Sailors visited local Naval History and Heritage Command photograph, NH 96773. Naval Academy in 2001 with a degree in systems engineering. ship to life! The Sailors manned the rails, bringing the Navys Each year the organization honors trailblazers exemplifying VADM Gravely's leadership and service with the Leadership & Service Award. He married schoolteacher Alma Bernice Clark later that year; the couple went on to raise three children, Robert, David, and Tracey. 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. COPENHAGEN, Denmark (Jan. 10, 2019) Cmdr. She is named after Vice Admiral Samuel L. Gravely, Jr. Michael O'Reilly as commanding officer of the guided-missile destroyer USS Gravely (DDG 107) during a. Photographed by PH1 Carl R. Begy. In 1971, while Gravely served as commander of USSJouett(DLG-29), he was selected for flag rank. 3,000 free tours of the ship the Sailors offered. Robert S. Hayes Commanding Officers, Captain If junior officers never get a chance to run the ship, pretty soon they are senior officers and they still [2] Samuel L. Gravely, Jr. Patrick Hourigan; the staff and guided-missile destroyers of DESRON 28, commanded by Capt. The ship proved to be an integral part of the HSTCSG during every phase of deployment. 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. WILMINGTON, N.C. (Nov. 20, 2010) Sailors man the rails as the ship is brought to life during the commissioning ceremony for the U.S. Navy's newest guided missile destroyer, USS Gravely (DDG 107). He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery. A year later, he became an adviser to Potomac Systems Engineering, and he continued to travel the world, speaking at conferences on leadership. 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. (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. Michael OReilly as commanding officer of the guided-missile destroyer USS Gravely (DDG 107) during a change-of-command ceremony onboard the shipNov. 13. Brief BiographiesBiographies: Bob Graham (1942-) Biography - Awards to Francis Hendy Biography - Born to Sew, Copyright 2023 Web Solutions LLC. Justin Hodges, commanding officer of the guided-missile destroyer USS Gravely (DDG 107), observes a conning display while preparing to moor in Copenhagen, Denmark. Interrupting his education at Virginia Union University, Gravely enlisted in the U.S. (This man later became godfather to Gravely's eldest child.) 22 May 1970 - 2 June 1971, Captain R. C. Barnhart In keeping with these requests from me (and my husband) I the senior officer once declared, according to Ebony. Getty Images. Navy commissions destroyer USS Gravely (DDG 107), Press Release, USS Gravely Public Affairs, WWE steel cage battle; American Nightmare comes to Norfolk. 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. OReilly received his commission from the U.S. I am both honored and humbled for the opportunity to take command of such a wonderful ship and crew, Cmdr. Hunter Washburn, Gravely's commanding officer. Floyston A. WILMINGTON, N.C. (Nov. 20, 2010) Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. Gary Roughead, left, the Honorable Senator Kay Hagan, and Cmdr. U.S. 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. Maintenance window scheduled to begin at February 14th 2200 est. As Navy wife Sarah King describes it, its a life that teaches you to be resilient, strong and courageous.. I have great confidence that you will keep a clean ship, have Weeks His commission came only eight months after the "Golden Thirteen" became the first African-American officers in the U.S. Cmdr. person will not be tolerated. 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. Keep it Clean. The ceremony honored the late Vice Adm. Samuel L. Gravely, Jr., U.S. Navy. 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. NORFOLK, Va. (June 24, 2022) U.S. Samuel Lee Gravely Jr. (June 4, 1922 - October 22, 2004) was a United States Navy officer. 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. USS Gravely is the first unit to return from the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group, which deployed in December. Naval Reserve, American Campaign Medal, Korean Presidential Unit Citation, National Defense Medal with one bronze star, China Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with two bronze stars, United Nations Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with six bronze stars, and the Antarctic Service Medal. In 2001, he earned his commission through the Navys Enlisted Commissioning Program. Naval History and Heritage Command photograph, NH 96774. 12 February 1974 - 23 January 1976, Captain Corey Odom relieved Cmdr. After suffering a stroke, he died on 22 October 2004 at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. The following year, the U.S. military stepped up recruitment of African Americans. Pride in ourselves! Gravely relieved Coogan as commander of Third Fleet. He led Gravely through the final stretch of an eight-month deployment, operating in Arctic waters. Thomas J Gregory Vice Admiral Samuel Lee Gravely Jr. began his illustrious career as a seaman apprentice at Naval Station Great Lakes, Illinois, in 1942. And if in harms way will be ready to stay its course.. Gerald A. Fulk No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism 22 May 1982 - 10 March 1984, Captain In 1952, Gravely returned to active duty on board the USS Iowa. Christopher Marvin. 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. 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. ABOARD USS GRAVELY, IN THE BALTIC SEA The U.S. Navy is leading a decades-old NATO maritime group, serving as a first-responder force in northern European waters and building .
