New destroyer honors a black naval pioneer

[The Straight Story]

New destroyer honors a black naval pioneer

When Samuel Gravely Jr. was born in segregated Richmond 88 years ago, he never could have imagined a career as a U.S. naval officer - not to mention becoming the first black officer to command a warship and, eventually, the service's first black admiral.

Gravely died in 2004, but this month marks yet another first: The first warship named for a black admiral was commissioned over the weekend. On Wednesday, the brand-new destroyer pulled into Norfolk, its new homeport.

The guided-missile destroyer, built for about $1 billion, is the 57th in the Arleigh Burke class. Its crew of 276 is led by Cmdr. Douglas Kunzman.

As the ship made the turn toward Pier 6 at Norfolk Naval Station on Wednesday afternoon, Gravely's widow, Alma, said her husband undoubtedly would have been proud to have a ship named after him. But he probably wouldn't show it, because he was remarkably humble.

http://hamptonroads.com.nyud.net/2010/11/new-destroyer-honors-black-naval-pioneer

[bluedigger]

1. Link doesn't work.

Here's another: http://hamptonroads.com/2010/11/new-destroyer-honors-black-naval-pioneer

[political_Dem]

2. This is a proud moment in the history of the military and the United States.

Thank you for bringing this story to DU's attention.



:patriot:

[Name removed]

3. Deleted message

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