Samuel L. Gravely Jr.: Naval Career

• Samuel L. Gravely Jr. was born on June 4, 1922, and died on October 22, 2004.
• Gravely began his naval career as a seaman apprentice at Naval Station Great Lakes, Illinois, in 1942.
• Gravely was a native of Richmond, Virginia.
• He was the first African-American to achieve the ranks of commander, captain, rear admiral, and vice admiral in the U.S. Navy.
• Gravely was commissioned in 1944.
• During World War II, he served onboard USS PC-1264.
• He had a brief stint in the civilian world after World War II.
• Gravely was recalled to active duty in 1949 and remained until his retirement in 1980.
• During the Korean War, he served onboard USS Iowa (BB-61).
• In the 1950s, he served on USS Toledo (CA-133) and USS Seminole (AKA-104).
• In the 1960s, Gravely was the executive officer and acting commander of USS Theodore E. Chandler (DD-717).
• Gravely commanded USS Falgout (DER-324).
• He aided integration efforts at the Naval War College.
• Gravely served in the Defense Communications Agency.
• He commanded USS Taussig (DD-746).
• Gravely coordinated the Navy's satellite communications program.
• In 1971, while commanding USS Jouett (DLG-29), he was selected for flag rank.
• Gravely's flag commands included the Naval Communications Command, Cruiser-Destroyer Group Two, the Eleventh Naval District, Third Fleet, and the Defense Communications Agency.
• In 1976, while serving as commander of Third Fleet, Gravely was promoted to vice admiral.
• As a surface warfare officer, he received awards including the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, and the Navy Commendation Medal.
• After retiring from the Navy, Gravely worked with the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association.
• Samuel Gravely died on October 22, 2004, at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, after suffering a stroke.
• He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
• USS Gravely (DDG-107) is named in his honor.
• Gravely was Jouett's commanding officer prior to his promotion to rear admiral.
• Gravely relieved Coogan as commander of Third Fleet on September 10, 1976, at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
• The guided-missile destroyer USS Gravely (DDG-107) departed Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia on November 16, 2015, for a 7-month deployment to the 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility.
• Navy Lieutenant Commander Desiree Linson escorted Gravely at an exhibit featuring African-American military history.

Explore the distinguished naval career of Samuel L. Gravely Jr., the first African-American to achieve the ranks of commander, captain, rear admiral, and vice admiral. Gravely served in WWII, the Korean War, and aided integration efforts at the Naval War College. Learn about his significant contributions and milestones in the U.S. Navy.