[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 76 (Monday, May 18, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1185]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  TRIBUTE TO SAMUEL L. GRAVELY, JR., FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN U.S. NAVY 
                              FLAG OFFICER

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 18, 2009

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today, to 
recognize the christening of the USS Gravely, the 57th Arleigh Burke 
class Aegis Guided Missile Destroyer, in honor of the late Vice Admiral 
Samuel L. Gravely, Jr.
  Samuel L. Gravely, born in Richmond, Virginia in 1922, was the first 
African American to command a fighting ship (USS Falgout) and to 
command a major warship (USS Jouett). As a full commander, he made 
naval history in 1966 as the first African American commander to lead a 
ship--the USS Taussig--into direct offensive action. He was the first 
African American to achieve flag rank and eventually Vice Admiral.
  In 1942, Gravely interrupted his education at Virginia Union 
University and enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserve. He attended Officer 
Training Camp at the University of California in Los Angeles after boot 
camp at the Great Lakes Naval Training Station in Illinois, and then 
midshipman school at Columbia University. When he boarded his first 
ship in May of 1945, he became its first African American officer.
  In 1945, when his first ship reached its berth in Key West, Florida, 
he was specifically forbidden entry into the Officers' Club on the 
base. Gravely survived the indignities of racial prejudice and 
displayed unquestionable competence as a naval officer.
  Vice Admiral Gravely's tenure in the naval service was challenged 
with the difficulties of racial discrimination. As a new recruit, he 
was trained in a segregated unit; as an officer, he was barred from 
living in the Bachelor's Officers' Quarters.
  Gravely exemplified the highest standards and demanded very high 
standards from his crew. Vice Admiral Gravely was a trailblazer for 
African Americans in the military arena. He fought for equal rights 
quietly but effectively, letting his actions speak for him. Vice 
Admiral Gravely died on October 22, 2004, at the naval hospital in 
Bethesda, Maryland.
  Samuel L. Gravely, Jr.'s performance and leadership as an African 
American naval officer demonstrated to America the value and strength 
of diversity. Gravely was a true professional with superb skills as a 
seaman and admirable leadership attributes. His spirit aboard the USS 
Gravely will be an inspiration to its crew, the United States Navy, and 
America for generations to come.

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