A surface warrior and a man person will not be tolerated. 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. Edward S. Briggs Michael OReilly as commanding officer of the guided-missile destroyer USS Gravely (DDG 107) during a change-of-command ceremony onboard the shipNov. 13. 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. 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. After suffering a stroke, he died on 22 October 2004 at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. times. U.S. Jerrold J. Negin Commissioning Ceremony, USS PC-1264, Lt. Eric S. Purdon in Foreground (U.S. Navy) 22 May 1982 - 10 March 1984, Captain 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. "Operating with Allies and. 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). that is degrading to another person. For more news from PCU Gravely (DDG 107), visit 10 March 1984 - 26 April 1986, Captain "The United States and Lithuania are celebrating a milestone 100 years of unbroken diplomatic relations in 2022," said Cmdr. [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. In a 1977 address to navy officers, as quoted in Ebony, he stated: "We must improve our individual understanding of our fundamental warfare skills. After graduation, he told Ebony, "I planned to teach and coach, but took a job in the post office instead. This warship is now ready to serve our great nation and carry 23 January 1976 - 31 January 1978, Captain In 1978 Gravely became the director of the Defense Communications Agency and was able to move home to Virginia from his base in Hawaii. [2], At the time of his promotion to rear admiral, he was in command of the guided missile frigate USSJouett(DLG-29). Corey Odom relieved Cmdr. He is a graduate of Old Dominion University, Johns Hopkins University, and the Naval War College. 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. In 1976, while serving as commander of Third Fleet, Gravely was promoted to vice admiral. Pride in ourselves! Keep it Clean. www.navy.mil/local/ddg107/. Naval Forces Europe area of operations in late 2021 with the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) carrier strike group. officer, Vice Adm. Samuel L. Gravely. The destroyer USSGravely(DDG-107), commissioned in 2010, was named in his honor.[3]. [1] Early life and training Captain Samuel L. Gravely, Jr. 22 May 1970 - 2 June 1971. [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. Commanding Gravely has been a tremendously rewarding experience, said OReilly to the crew. Between 1984 and 1987, Gravely served as the executive director of education and training for the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Associations (AFCEA). 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. 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. commissioned in Wilmington, N.C., Nov. 20. 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. flag, we do it in memory of him and his sacrifice.. 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. Previously, he completed a tour as the deputy branch head in the training department at U.S. Fleet Forces Command. 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. Michael O'Reilly as commanding officer of the guided-missile destroyer USS Gravely (DDG 107) during a. Threats of harming another ", Gravely also demanded very high standards from his crew. 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. Christopher Marvin. High 68F. [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. Naval History and Heritage Command photograph, NH 96777. respect for each other and good morale at sea and on shore at all Cmdr. "These types of visits. Captain R. Frederick Stalder Jr. 12 February 1974 - 23 January 1976 . Burke-class guided missile destroyer, USS Gravely (DDG 107), was (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Nathan T. Beard/Released), NORFOLK, Va. (June 24, 2022) and its Licensors OReilly received his commission from the U.S. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Nathan T. Beard/Released), NORFOLK, Va. (June 24, 2022) 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). 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. I have great confidence that you will keep a clean ship, have As the ships seventh captain, OReilly assumed command in August 2019. Portrait photograph dated 7 March 1972. 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. 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. newest destroyer to life. Odom said in his address to the crew. 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. Sailors aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Cole (DDG 67) heave in mooring lines as the ship departs Naval Station Norfolk. 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 the war, Gravely had a brief stint in the civilian world before he was recalled to active duty in 1949. Gravely commanded Cruiser-Destroyer Group 2. 312 officers and enlisted: Armament: Guns: 5-inch (127 mm)/62 Mk 45 Mod 4 (lightweight gun) 1 20 mm Phalanx CIWS; 2 25 mm Mk 38 Machine Gun System; . 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. 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. 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. 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. "The United States and Lithuania are celebrating a milestone 100 years of unbroken diplomatic relations in 2022," said Cmdr. 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." and inspiration to myself and my crew. USS Gravely (DDG-107) is an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer in the United States Navy. Brian Sanchez, Gravely's executive officer. U.S. Naval Academy in 2001 with a degree in systems engineering. Only the very best Sailors and Marines are assigned to this frontline warship and you should be proud to be among them. 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. others were friends and family of Gravely himself, including And we must continue to stress the very rudiments of our professionsmartness, appearance, seamanship, and most importantly, pride. Once the weapons were offloaded, the dhow and its crew were released. 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. Long after Truman's executive order, the unofficial policy in the navy was to have as few blacks as possible on any ship. Samuel Lee Gravely Jr. (June 4, 1922 October 22, 2004) was a United States Navy officer. 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. Ralph E. Wilson, Jr. Welcome. 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. Maintenance window scheduled to begin at February 14th 2200 est. 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. Vice Admiral Gravely is honored annually in San Pedro, California, aboard Battleship Iowa, at the Gravely Celebration Experience. Additionally, he was the Commanding Officer of the USS Falgout, Taussig, and Jouett. 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. After his official retirement in 1980, he kept active as a military adviser and corporate consultant. Vincent Libasci, commanding officer, USS Cole, Black Widow has provided an . 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. Several years later, on board the USS Seminole, a visitor to the ship remarked that Gravely, then working as operations officer, was "colored." 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. [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. a numbered fleet (3rd Fleet). 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." 31 January 1978 - 17 May 1980, Captain He was buried in Arlington National Cemetery. Cmdr. 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. Cmdr. 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. Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic Subscribe 6 Cmdr. A year later, he became an adviser to Potomac Systems Engineering, and he continued to travel the world, speaking at conferences on leadership. Navy commissions destroyer USS Gravely (DDG 107), Press Release, USS Gravely Public Affairs, WWE steel cage battle; American Nightmare comes to Norfolk. Adm. Gravely was highly decorated with the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, and Navy Commendation Medal. [1], Gravely was born on June 4, 1922 in Richmond, Virginia, the oldest of five children of Mary George Gravely and postal worker Samuel L. Gravely Sr. 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. After retirement from the Navy, Gravely kept busy working with the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association. Prior to his promotion to rear admiral, Gravely was Jouett's commanding officer. Corey Odom relieved Cmdr. Robert S. Hayes In 1961 Gravely became temporary skipper of the USS Theodore E. Chandler, making him the first black naval officer to command a ship. job and at times the hardest job. Patrick Hourigan; the staff and guided-missile destroyers of DESRON 28, commanded by Capt. Alma let the crew know that she believed they were ready. You have permission to edit this article. Operations Specialist Seaman Gustavo Gomez, from San Antonio, 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. 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. USS Gravely (DDG-107) is named in his honor. Floyston A. 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. Gravely deployed to the U.S. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, He had no immediate plans to return to the navy. I am both honored and humbled for the opportunity to take command of such a wonderful ship and crew, Cmdr. Weeks Higher wind gusts possible.. R. Scott McCartney 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. Please contact your sponsor as soon as possible and provide your contact information and travel . In fact, they quickly grew to like his style of command, because he gave officers more responsibility than they were usually allowed. the senior officer once declared, according to Ebony. Prior to his promotion to rear admiral, Capt. Previously, he completed a tour as the deputy branch head in the training department at U.S. Fleet Forces Command. 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. 757-927-1478. We must improve the performance and productivity of our people. 12 February 1974 - 23 January 1976, Captain 26 April 1986 - 19 August 1988, Captain 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. His commission came only eight months after the "Golden Thirteen" became the first African-American officers in the U.S. 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 is deployed conducting maritime operations as the flagship of Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 in the U.S 6th Fleet area of operations. U.S. He served as Executive Officer and Commanding Officer of the Theodore E. Chandler. Appointed by the Commanding Officer, Command Ombudsmen are volunteers and spouses of service members within the command. Plan. [5] Gravely, Northrop Grumman's 27th Aegis'equipped guided missile destroyer, was commissioned at Wilmington, North Carolina on 20 November 2010. "I still have great affection for the military. Cole is headed to the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility for a routine deployment focused on ballistic missile defense. 11 January 1991 - 24 April 1993, Commander principal address. He also developed and improved fleet tactics, organized and scheduled ship movements and port visits, and conducted anti-submarine warfare operations. who accomplished many firsts in his 38 years of service, said Welcome aboard and congratulations on your assignment to USS New York (LPD 21) - the finest ship in the fleet! NORFOLK, Va. -- Cmdr. 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." This was Gravely's first change of command since being commissioned in November 2010. [2] He had attempted to enlist in the U.S. Army in 1940 but was turned away due to a supposed heart murmur. trained in a segregated unit; as an officer, he was barred from living in the Bachelor's Officers' Quarters. U.S. Gravely was launched on 30 March 2009. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism 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. [3] She successfully completed sea trials in June 2010. until 0400 est. If junior officers never get a chance to run the ship, pretty soon they are senior officers and they still [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. 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. The presiding officer was Capt. He previously served as Gravelys executive officer from Dec. 2017 to May 2019. Every time we walk the brow or salute the Gravely was deployed as part of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group. During that time he served on the USS Iowa as a communications officer. Odom enlisted in the Navy in 1990 and served ten years in the submarine warfare community. '", Gravely survived the indignities of racial prejudice and displayed unquestionable competence as a naval officer. 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 would remain on active duty until his retirement in 1980. Interrupting his education at Virginia Union University, Gravely enlisted in the U.S. attendance were family and friends of USS Gravelys crew, while [2], In 1946, Gravely was released from active duty, remaining in the Naval Reserve. 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. Ralph E. Wilson, Jr. 25 July 1972 - 12 February 1974. Navy. Naval Forces Europe area of operations in late 2021 with the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) carrier strike group. 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. Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. Gravely, Jr., that, Vice Admiral Gravely has made this the easiest Each year the organization honors trailblazers exemplifying VADM Gravely's leadership and service with the Leadership & Service Award. During the Korean War, he served onboard USSIowa(BB-61), and later in the 1950s served on USSToledo(CA-133) and USSSeminole(AKA-104). The ceremony honored the late Vice Adm. Samuel L. Gravely, Jr., Be Proactive. ships sponsor, Alma Gravely. Don't knowingly lie about anyone The easiest because his sacrifice and vision is so clear to me that it provides constant direction and . U.S. 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. ship to life! The Sailors manned the rails, bringing the Navys As Navy wife Sarah King describes it, its a life that teaches you to be resilient, strong and courageous.. (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. In Richmond, the street on which Gravely grew up was renamed "Admiral Gravely Boulevard" in 1977. 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. Be Truthful. his example., Its the hardest because the crew does not want to let you 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. Gravely was deployed as part of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group. "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." The stress of these responsibilities was inescapable, but he fought to relieve them through exercise when he had the time. Naval Reserve in 1942. 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. Gravely, Samuel L., photograph. In keeping with these requests from me (and my husband) I Cmdr. Cmdr. 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) . In 2001, he earned his commission through the Navys Enlisted Commissioning Program. 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.". 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. "Vice-Admiral Samuel L. Gravely, Jr.," Naval Historical Center, www.history.navy.mil/bios/gravely.htm (January 31, 2005). Gravely deployed to the U.S. Since arriving in theater, the ship has participated. Naval History and Heritage Command photograph, NH 96776. 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). Gravely was deployed as part of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group. While visiting Wilmington, Gravely Sailors were busy meeting the 3 December 1966 - 28 November 1968, 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.

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