Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2009

Floor Speech

SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2009 -- (Senate - May 21, 2009)

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

Mr. WICKER. Madam President, this past weekend, at the Northrop-Grumman shipbuilding facility in Pascagoula, MS, the USS Gravely, the 57th Arleigh Burke class Aegis Guided Missile Destroyer, was christened in honor of the late VADM Samuel L. Gravely, Jr.

Vice Admiral Gravely was born in 1922, in Richmond, VA. 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.

Gravely was the first African-American to command a fighting ship, the USS Falgout, and to command a major warship, the 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 1976, Gravely became the commander of the entire Third Fleet, commanding over 100 ships, 60,000 sailors, and overseeing more than 50 million square miles of ocean.

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. In 1945, when his first ship reached its berth in Key West, FL, 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.

Gravely exemplified the highest standards and demanded very high standards from his crew. Throughout his career, he stressed the rudiments of professionalism--intelligence, appearance, seamanship and, most importantly, pride.

Vice Admiral Gravely was a trailblazer for African-Americans in the military arena. He fought for equal rights quietly but effectively, letting his actions and his military record speak for him. Gravely died on October 22, 2004, at the naval hospital in Bethesda, MD. 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.''

Samuel L. Gravely, Jr.'s performance and leadership as an African-American naval officer demonstrated to America the value and strength of diversity. He was a true professional with superb skills as a seaman and admirable leadership attributes.

The USS Gravely, christened in Pascagoula, will reflect his character, his forthrightness, and his steadfastness and will stand for and deliver his legacy wherever it serves. His spirit aboard the USS Gravely will be an inspiration to its crew, the U.S. Navy, and Americans for generations to come.

I suggest the absence of a quorum.

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