Black History Month

#BlackHistoryMonth In the Navy, I was fortunate to serve at Commander Cruiser Destroyer Group 2(CCDG2). I reported to duty in 1981 as Radioman Seaman Apprentice(RMSA), and served through 1985 in the communications division achieving the rank of Petty Officer 2nd Class(RM2/SW)

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This was my first duty assignment. But my first is not important as the first African-American who served as CCDG2's Commanding Officer prior to my arrival, Rear Admiral Samuel L. Gravely, Jr. He was a trailblazer. He was commissioned an Ensign on November 14, 1944.

He enlisted and then became one of the first commissioned African-American officers in the US Navy. He was denied housing and even jailed for impersonating an officer. He withstood a cavalcade of abuse and racism and still managed to rise through the ranks of the Navy.

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He became the first to serve under combat conditions during WW2. He served during the Korean & Vietnam War. He was the first to command a fighting vessel, and commander of the 3rd fleet. He served as Communications Officer on the USS IOWA BB-61.

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He served as the first African-American to command (USS Theodore E. Chandler (DD 717)); command a major warship (USS Jouett (DLG 29)) - and was the first African-American to achieve the rank of Captain in 1967.

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Throughout his career, Gravely received the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious service Medal and Navy Commendation Medal. Then on July 1st, 1971, he was appointed a rear-admiral, the first African American to achieve flag rank in the Navy. Rear-Admiral (Two Stars).

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Sept 10th, 1976 - Three star Vice-Admiral Gravely, Jr assumed command of the Third Fleet.

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He served in a dual role Director of Naval Communications for the Chief of Naval Operations and his final duty station prior to retirement was Director of Defense Communications in D.C. He retired in August 1980. Retirement Ceremony.

USS Gravely is an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer in the United States Navy. She is named after Vice Admiral Samuel L. Gravely, Jr. Gravely is the 57th destroyer in her class.