USS Jouett DLG/CG29 Commanding Officers As Navy wife Sarah King describes it, its a life that teaches you to be resilient, strong and courageous.. You have permission to edit this article. Brief BiographiesBiographies: Bob Graham (1942-) Biography - Awards to Francis Hendy Biography - Born to Sew, Copyright 2023 Web Solutions LLC. Taussig (DD 746)); to command a major warship (USS Jouett (DLG 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) Odom enlisted in the Navy in 1990 and served ten years in the submarine warfare community. 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; . 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. Once the weapons were offloaded, the dhow and its crew were released. each comment to let us know of abusive posts. Be Proactive. Gravely's escort was Navy Lieutenant Commander Desiree Linson, who worked for the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Manpower and Reserve Affairs. Commanding Officers, Captain 12 February 1974 - 23 January 1976, Captain 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. that is degrading to another person. Alma let the crew know that she believed they were ready. What color is he?". 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. Rear Admiral Samuel L. Gravely Jr. Gravely, Samuel L. Jr. 1922- | Encyclopedia.com Between 1984 and 1987, Gravely served as the executive director of education and training for the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Associations (AFCEA). 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." The ceremony honored the late Vice Adm. Samuel L. Gravely, Jr., U.S. Odom assumed command after completing a 16-month tour as Gravelys executive officer. 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 Cole, USS Gravely Take on Black Widow, Large-Scale Exercise 2021 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. During the Korean War, he served onboard USSIowa(BB-61), and later in the 1950s served on USSToledo(CA-133) and USSSeminole(AKA-104). Navy commissions destroyer USS Gravely (DDG 107) Cmdr. [3] She successfully completed sea trials in June 2010. Naval History and Heritage Command photograph, NH 96777. Theodore E. Chandler (DD 717)); to command a warship in combat (USS And we must continue to stress the very rudiments of our professionsmartness, appearance, seamanship, and most importantly, pride. According to Cmdr. To sign up for free delivery please 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. USS Gravely (DDG-107) is an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer in the United States Navy. 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) . Previously, he completed a tour as the deputy branch head in the training department at U.S. Fleet Forces Command. [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. No one wanted to live with you, so I volunteered. Gravely deployed to the U.S. (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. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. The ship proved to be an integral part of the HSTCSG during every phase of deployment. In keeping with these requests from me (and my husband) I 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. Samuel Lee Gravely Jr. (June 4, 1922 October 22, 2004) was a United States Navy officer. Prior to his promotion to rear admiral, Gravely was Jouett's commanding officer. Samuel L. Gravely Jr. - Wikipedia Justin Hodges, commanding officer of the guided-missile destroyer USS Gravely (DDG 107), observes a conning display while preparing to moor in Copenhagen, Denmark. 3 December 1966 - 28 November 1968, Captain Gravely was deployed as part of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group. USS Gravely Arrives in Klaipda, Lithuania > U.S. Fleet Forces Command (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Nathan T. Beard/Released), NORFOLK, Va. (June 24, 2022) USS Gravely (DDG-107) is an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer in the United States Navy. Vice Adm. Samuel L. Gravely Pioneered in Peace and War | Defense Media ships sponsor, Alma Gravely. 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. He was commissioned in 1944 and served during. He is a graduate of Old Dominion University, Johns Hopkins University, and the Naval War College. 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! 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. 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. [11], On 13 May 2022, Gravely took part in a PASSEX training with the Finnish and Swedish navies in the northern Baltic Sea. Since arriving in theater, the ship has participated. 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. others were friends and family of Gravely himself, including MC1 Lolita Lewis. 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. He eventually earned a reputation as an expert in naval communications. job and at times the hardest job. Naval History and Heritage Command photo In 2001, he earned his commission through the Navys Enlisted Commissioning Program. 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. www.navy.mil/local/ddg107/. 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. 101120-N-3737T-165 Christopher Marvin. He would remain on active duty until his retirement in 1980. [9] In June 2016 while escorting the aircraft carrier USSHarry S. Truman the destroyer had a close encounter with a Russian Navy frigate causing Russian and US Navy officials to accuse each other of dangerous and unprofessional conduct. The USS PC-1264 (1943-1946) - BlackPast.org 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. Corey Odom relieved Cmdr. James Kenny, commander, Destroyer Squadron 28. Only the very best Sailors and Marines are assigned to this frontline warship and you should be proud to be among them. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph. 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. 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. 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. 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. On May 2, 1945, Lt. Samuel L. Gravely Jr. reported aboard PC-1264 as its first Black officer but he never commanded the vessel. 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. Commanding Officer, USS Gravely (DDG 107) > Commander, Naval Surface 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. In Richmond, the street on which Gravely grew up was renamed "Admiral Gravely Boulevard" in 1977. Michael O'Reilly as commanding officer of the guided-missile destroyer USS Gravely (DDG 107) during a. Naval Forces Europe area of operations in late 2021 with the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) carrier strike group. 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." [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. Born in 1922 in Richmond, Virginia, Gravely came from a family committed to government service. After retirement from the Navy, Gravely kept busy working with the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism [1] He transferred from the Reserve to the regular Navy in 1955 and began to specialize in naval communications. After boot camp at the Great Lakes Naval Training Station in Illinois, he attended Officer Training Camp at the University of California at Los Angeles, and then midshipman school at Columbia University. The ship proved to be an integral part of the HSTCSG during every phase of deployment. He was commissioned in 1944 and served during World War II onboard USSPC-1264. OReilly received his commission from the U.S. "Obituary," United States Department of Defense, www.defenselink.mil/releases/2004/nr20041022-1434.html (January 31, 2005). His three children and his wife, Alma, survived him. USS Gravely - Wikipedia (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. She is named after Vice Admiral Samuel L. Gravely, Jr. In 2001, he earned his commission through the Navys Enlisted Commissioning Program. 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. 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. USS New York (LPD 21) - Navy 28 November 1968 - 22 May 1970, Captain Commanding Gravely has been a tremendously rewarding experience, OReilly told the crew. The sold-out Norfolk crowd packed the hot arena and were treated to a night full of surprises and great entertainment. don't know how." Vice Admiral Gravely is honored annually in San Pedro, California, aboard Battleship Iowa, at the Gravely Celebration Experience. As the ships seventh captain, OReilly assumed command in Aug. 2019. [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. R. Scott McCartney USS Gravely is the first unit to return from the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group, which deployed in December. respect for each other and good morale at sea and on shore at all [2], In 1946, Gravely was released from active duty, remaining in the Naval Reserve. Commanding Officer, USS Gravely (DDG 107) 27 April 2022 Cmdr. Black History - A Sailor's Perspective - United States Navy Gravely was Jouett's commanding officer. Vincent Libasci, commanding officer, USS Cole, Black Widow has provided an . U.S. Gravely is the 57th destroyer in her class. Gravely relieved Coogan as commander of Third Fleet. [2], Gravely's military decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal and Navy Commendation Medal. 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. In fact, they quickly grew to like his style of command, because he gave officers more responsibility than they were usually allowed. USS Gravely (DDG 107) arrives in Gdynia, Poland Naval History and Heritage Command photograph, NH 96773. principal address. "Vice-Admiral Samuel L. Gravely, Jr.," Naval Historical Center, www.history.navy.mil/bios/gravely.htm (January 31, 2005). When he saw that I had read the letter, he immediately began to tell me about the briefing, how delighted everyone was with my being assigned, and how I must have been a fine guy to have earned a commission. Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Gravely (DDG 107) returns to Naval Station Norfolk after a regularly scheduled deployment in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts, June 23. He also developed and improved fleet tactics, organized and scheduled ship movements and port visits, and conducted anti-submarine warfare operations. Keep it Clean. 11 January 1991 - 24 April 1993, Commander Many in 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. Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. After suffering a stroke, he died on 22 October 2004 at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. Naval History and Heritage Command photograph, NH 96775. 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 June 1971 - 25 July 1972, Capt. 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). Gravely was deployed as part of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group. Retired Vice Admiral Samuel Gravely, the Navy's first black flag officer, strolled past an exhibit of the first African-American West Point graduate, the Buffalo Soldiers, and African Americans who fought in the Revolutionary War and Civil War. USS Gravely Returns Home to Norfolk, Virginia - U.S. Fleet Forces Command Gravely deployed to the U.S. Since arriving in theater, the ship has participated. Gravely, Samuel L., photograph. Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic Subscribe 6 Cmdr. Captain R. Frederick Stalder Jr. 12 February 1974 - 23 January 1976 . High 68F. DVIDS - News - USS Gravely holds Change of Command 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. USS Gravely Ombudsman - Facebook who accomplished many firsts in his 38 years of service, said The presiding officer was Capt. Cmdr. 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. Gravely deployed to the U.S. Cmdr. ceremony held at North Carolina State Ports in Wilmington. Floyston A. His flag commands included the Naval Communications Command, Cruiser-Destroyer Group Two, the Eleventh Naval District, Third Fleet, and the Defense Communications Agency. Adm. Samuel Gravely, Jr., Day to be Annually Commemorated in Virginia 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. I am both honored and humbled for the opportunity to take command of such a wonderful ship and crew, Cmdr. Navy commissions destroyer USS Gravely (DDG 107), Press Release, USS Gravely Public Affairs, WWE steel cage battle; American Nightmare comes to Norfolk. Thomas J Gregory Gerald A. Fulk 31 January 1978 - 17 May 1980, Captain Jet, February 5, 1970; June 5, 1975; August 28, 1980; November 8, 2004; November 15, 2004. Since arriving in theater, the ship has participated. 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.". 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. Adm. Gravely was highly decorated with the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, and Navy Commendation Medal. USS Gravely (DDG 107) arrives in Gdynia, Poland or anything. Gravely commanded Cruiser-Destroyer Group 2. Corey Odom relieved Cmdr. Gravely was the first African American to command a warship (USS Kicking off the broadc, Life as a military spouse is a life like no other. Gravely would eventually become the first Black admiral in the U.S. Navy, in 1971. The destroyer USSGravely(DDG-107), commissioned in 2010, was named in his honor.[3]. 23 January 1976 - 31 January 1978, Captain Samuel L. Gravely, Jr. Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead in the ceremonys 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. 22 May 1970 - 2 June 1971, Captain Please contact your sponsor as soon as possible and provide your contact information and travel . Even after his retirement, he maintained the commanding presence that he had honed during his 38 years in the military. Pride in ourselves! "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." Prior to his promotion to rear admiral, Capt. The ceremony concluded when Alma ordered the crew, Bring our Odom stated in his address to the crew. Michael E. Mays Contact Us - Navy One crew member noted in Ebony, "It makes a big difference in morale. 25 July 1972 - 12 February 1974, Captain Naval Forces Europe area of operations in late 2021 with the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) carrier strike group. He led Gravely through the final stretch of an eight-month deployment, operating in Arctic waters. 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. COPENHAGEN, Denmark (Jan. 10, 2019) Cmdr. He had no immediate plans to return to the navy. 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. In 1961 Gravely became temporary skipper of the USS Theodore E. Chandler, making him the first black naval officer to command a ship. Hunter Washburn, commanding officer, of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Gravely (DDG 107) speaks to media on the pier following a. 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. Rear Admiral Samuel L. Gravely Jr. Getty Images. He quickly rose to officer rank. [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. 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. Be Truthful. 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. He is also a graduate from the Naval Postgraduate School. Corey Odom relieved Cmdr. Samuel L. Gravely Jr. Biography - Officer, Military, Medal, and Ship 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). Cloudy skies. 757-927-1478. As the ships seventh captain, OReilly assumed command in August 2019. James P. Cormack Gravely was deployed as part of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group. VA Vet Center (Supports vets, service members, and their families), Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil. Burke-class guided missile destroyer, USS Gravely (DDG 107), was 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. trained in a segregated unit; as an officer, he was barred from living in the Bachelor's Officers' Quarters.