USS Gravely Crew Reflects on Accomplishments of Ship’s Namesake

– February 11, 2013Posted in: Deployment, History & Heritage, Operating Forward, Sailors

130211-N-BY172-221 NORFOLK (Feb. 11, 2012) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Gravely (DDG 107) gets underway from Naval Station Norfolk on its first operational deployment. Gravely is en route to the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility to participate in ballistic missile defense escort operations. Gravely is named for Vice Adm. Samuel L. Gravely, the first African-American in the U.S. Navy to command a warship, achieve flag officer rank, and command a U.S. Navy fleet. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class William E. Blake/Released)

(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class William E. Blake/Released)

The crew of the guided-missile destroyer USS Gravely left Naval Station Norfolk today on their first operational deployment. Gravely is en route to the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility to participate in ballistic missile defense escort operations.

The ship is named after VADM Samuel L. Gravely, the first African-American in the U.S. Navy to command a warship, achieve flag officer rank, and to command a U.S. Navy fleet.

We asked Gravely’s crew what it meant to deploy forward aboard a ship named for a distinguished African American naval officer during African-American History Month. These are some of the responses.

Tags: 6th Fleet, African-American History Month, U.S. 6th Fleet, USS Gravley (DDG 107), VADM Samuel L. Gravely

http://www.facebook.com/PositivelyAmerica Michael Kincade

I had the priviledge to know Adm and Mrs. Gravely in Hawaii. As a young man, I baby sat for the Gravely Children. They were a wonderful family, and it was satisfying to see then Cdr. Gravely move up the ranks to become a Vice Admiral. The thing I remember most about Adm. Gravely was his complete concern for his crew members. From the Seaman Apprentice to his XO, they were so important to him. I knew when I first met him that he and Alma were something very special. I am so honored to have known them. God Speed to the U.S.S. Gravely. May you have fair winds and following seas…..To the crew, please continue to build Adm. Gravely’s amazing legecy and I know he is proudly looking down upon each of you.
https://navylive.dodlive.mil/ United States Navy

Thanks for reading and commenting, Michael!
Cornelius

When I first heard of this, I thought it was just more politically correct BS. Then I read more about the Admiral. Thank you for your service Sir, and Godspeed. Special thanks to Mrs. Gravley, bc without a good woman at home, most of us men cannot rise to the occasion, let alone the heights. We have to know the love of a good woman throughout our lives, as he surely did.
The ship has beautiful lines, she does. Too bad civilians- even an old Spruance-class sonarman like myself, can’t go aboard for a visit.