Theodore E. Chandler (DD 717)); to command a warship in combat (USS For more news from PCU Gravely (DDG 107), visit Gravely is the 57th destroyer in her class. Captain R. Frederick Stalder Jr. 12 February 1974 - 23 January 1976 . The ceremony honored the late Vice Adm. Samuel L. Gravely, Jr., Since arriving in theater, the ship has participated. Odom enlisted in the Navy in 1990 and served ten years in the submarine warfare community. Following his military retirement, Gravely settled in rural Haymarket, Virginia, and worked as a consultant. Gravely, Samuel L., photograph. U.S. 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. times. Samuel L. Gravely Jr. - history.navy.mil officer, Vice Adm. Samuel L. Gravely. He served as Executive Officer and Commanding Officer of the Theodore E. Chandler. Long after Truman's executive order, the unofficial policy in the navy was to have as few blacks as possible on any ship. OReilly received his commission from the U.S. Retired Navy Admiral J. Paul Reason was the principal speaker at the ceremony, which was held at Northrop's facility in Pascagoula. 24 April 1993 - 28 January 1994. 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). 3,000 free tours of the ship the Sailors offered. One crew member noted in Ebony, "It makes a big difference in morale. His many decorations, honors, and awards attest to his success. 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 Returns Home to Norfolk, Virginia Vice Admiral Samuel Lee Gravely Jr. began his illustrious career as a seaman apprentice at Naval Station Great Lakes, Illinois, in 1942. 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). You have permission to edit this article. [2] Samuel L. Gravely, Jr. His three children and his wife, Alma, survived him. Naval History and Heritage Command photograph, NH 96777. [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. Subject specific information for the media, Events or announcements of note for the media, An official website of the United States government. [2], Gravely's military decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal and Navy Commendation Medal. "These types of visits. until 0400 est. Only the very best Sailors and Marines are assigned to this frontline warship and you should be proud to be among them. 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. 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. 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. 29)); to attain flag rank; to become a vice admiral; and to command Navy commissions destroyer USS Gravely (DDG 107) President Truman's executive order prohibited segregation, but it could not eliminate racism and hypocrisy among military staff members. ", Gravely also demanded very high standards from his crew. Gravely deployed to the U.S. 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. Gravely deployed to the U.S. "Obituary," United States Department of Defense, www.defenselink.mil/releases/2004/nr20041022-1434.html (January 31, 2005). 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. He married schoolteacher Alma Bernice Clark later that year; the couple went on to raise three children, Robert, David, and Tracey. If junior officers never get a chance to run the ship, pretty soon they are senior officers and they still principal address. Justin Hodges, commanding officer of the guided-missile destroyer USS Gravely (DDG 107), observes a conning display while preparing to moor in Copenhagen, Denmark. MC1 Lolita Lewis. [7] On 18 November 2013, Gravely returned to Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, completing her first overseas deployment. Ebony, July 1966; September 1977; November 1985; December 1990; June 2, 1997. [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. He was commissioned in 1944 and served during World War II onboard USSPC-1264. 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). 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. [1] Early life and training USS Gravely - Wikipedia 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. Cmdr. 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. Burke-class guided missile destroyer, USS Gravely (DDG 107), was A year later, he became an adviser to Potomac Systems Engineering, and he continued to travel the world, speaking at conferences on leadership. [2], At the time of his promotion to rear admiral, he was in command of the guided missile frigate USSJouett(DLG-29). An official website of the United States government. 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. We'd love to hear eyewitness Prior to his promotion to rear admiral, Capt. Odom said in his address to the crew. trained in a segregated unit; as an officer, he was barred from living in the Bachelor's Officers' Quarters. [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. His commission came only eight months after the "Golden Thirteen" became the first African-American officers in the U.S. accounts, the history behind an article. OReilly received his commission from the U.S. 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. R. C. Barnhart "Exercises with our Allies and partners allowed for a more cohesive alliance and fluid operations," said Cmdr. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Nathan T. Beard/Released), NORFOLK, Va. (June 24, 2022) After graduation, he told Ebony, "I planned to teach and coach, but took a job in the post office instead. USS New York (LPD 21) - Navy Gravely deployed to the U.S. 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. Commanding Officer, USS Gravely (DDG 107) > Commander, Naval Surface In 1967 he became the first African American to reach the rank of captain, and in 1971 the first to reach rear admiral. Cmdr. 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." (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Nathan T. Beard/Released), NORFOLK, Va. (June 24, 2022) Corey Odom relieved Cmdr. 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. 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. Appointed by the Commanding Officer, Command Ombudsmen are volunteers and spouses of service members within the command. Jet, February 5, 1970; June 5, 1975; August 28, 1980; November 8, 2004; November 15, 2004. Machinists Mate 3rd Class Dmitri Rivera, assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Gravely (DDG 107), embraces family 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. respect for each other and good morale at sea and on shore at all Commanding Gravely has been a tremendously rewarding experience, said OReilly to the crew. [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. He led Gravely through the final stretch of an eight-month deployment, operating in Arctic waters. Rear Admiral Samuel L. Gravely Jr. USS Brian Sanchez, Gravely's executive officer. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Use the 'Report' link on After commissioning, Corey's operational assignments include command of USS GLADIATOR (MCM 13), Executive Officer in MCM CREW PERSISTENT; Weapons Officer and Combat Systems Officer in. 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. USS Gravely Arrives in Klaipda, Lithuania > U.S. Fleet Forces Command 17 May 1980 - 22 May 1982, Captain 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. Michael O'Reilly as commanding officer of the guided-missile destroyer USS Gravely (DDG 107) during a. 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. 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 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. Samuel Lee Gravely Jr. (June 4, 1922 - October 22, 2004) was a United States Navy officer. Ralph E. Wilson, Jr. 25 July 1972 - 12 February 1974. Naval History and Heritage Command photograph, NH 96778. Robert S. Hayes Alma let the crew know that she believed they were ready. USS Jouett DLG/CG29 Commanding Officers 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. 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. Gravely was assigned tours of duty aboard PC-1264, USS Iowa, USS Toledo and USS Seminole. Gravely was deployed as part of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group. 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. that is degrading to another person. He is also a graduate from the Naval Postgraduate School. 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) . Weeks Elementary School in Haymarket, Virginia was named after him in 2008. USS Gravely Returns Home to Norfolk, Virginia - U.S. Fleet Forces Command 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 . 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. USS Gravely (DDG 107) arrives in Gdynia, Poland (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. He is a graduate of Old Dominion University, Johns Hopkins University, and the Naval War College. 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. Naval Forces Europe area of operations in late 2021 with the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) carrier strike group. The USS PC-1264 (1943-1946) - BlackPast.org 10 March 1984 - 26 April 1986, Captain Kicking off the broadc, Life as a military spouse is a life like no other. U.S. Leading NATO Maritime Group Amid Renewed Focus on Northern Europe He previously served as Gravelys executive officer from Dec. 2017 to May 2019. 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. 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. [13], On 24 June 2022, Gravely returned to Norfolk.[14]. He also developed and improved fleet tactics, organized and scheduled ship movements and port visits, and conducted anti-submarine warfare operations. veterans who served with him on the USS Taussig and his widow, the 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! Ebony reported that the ship's captain replied with a completely straight face: "Is that right? WILMINGTON, N.C. The Navys newest Arleigh [11], On 13 May 2022, Gravely took part in a PASSEX training with the Finnish and Swedish navies in the northern Baltic Sea. Pride in our ships! and its Licensors James Kenny, commander, Destroyer Squadron 28. Odom enlisted in the Navy in 1990 and served ten years in the submarine warfare community. Naval History and Heritage Command photograph, NH 96774. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. 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. Elementary School in his honor. James P. Cormack "I think," Gravely told Ebony magazine, that "initially they [were] interested in two things: can the Old Man take the ship out, and can he get it back in port." Samuel L. Gravely, Jr. USS Gravely (DDG-107) is named in his honor. In 1961 Gravely became temporary skipper of the USS Theodore E. Chandler, making him the first black naval officer to command a ship. Commanding Officers, Captain "I still do things for the military," he told Ebony in 1990. Corey Odom relieved Cmdr. 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. In 2001, he earned his commission through the Navys Enlisted Commissioning Program. know that you and our wonderful ship are ready today to go to sea. Threats of harming another After suffering a stroke,[2] Gravely died at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, on October 22, 2004. down, said Kunzman. Edward S. Briggs Navy commissions destroyer USS Gravely (DDG 107), Press Release, USS Gravely Public Affairs, WWE steel cage battle; American Nightmare comes to Norfolk. 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. Adm. Gravely was highly decorated with the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, and Navy Commendation Medal. After proving himself, he was accepted by his staff. Corey Odom relieved Cmdr. Portrait photograph, taken 29 March 1973 by PHC Billings. Gravely's escort was Navy Lieutenant Commander Desiree Linson, who worked for the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Manpower and Reserve Affairs. 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. Captain Edward S. Briggs 2 June 1971 - 25 July 1972. 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!" She is named after Vice Admiral Samuel L. Gravely, . on the example of a great American, a great man and a great naval 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. Gravely, Samuel L. Jr. 1922- | Encyclopedia.com "Vice-Admiral Samuel L. Gravely, Jr.," Naval Historical Center, www.history.navy.mil/bios/gravely.htm (January 31, 2005). Commanding Gravely has been a tremendously rewarding experience, OReilly told the crew. a numbered fleet (3rd Fleet). 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). Naval Reserve in 1942. [2], Many of Gravely's later career achievements represented "firsts" for African Americans. 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. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. [1] He transferred from the Reserve to the regular Navy in 1955 and began to specialize in naval communications. Gravely was deployed as part of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group. Alma Bernice Clark Gravely, wife of the late Vice Adm. Samuel L. All Rights Reserved Captain Robert S. Hayes 3 December 1966 - 28 November 1968 . 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. What color is he?". USS Gravely Arrives in Klaipda > U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa