USS Gravely (DDG 107) returned to Naval Station Norfolk June 24 after completing its regular deployment supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts. Her commanding officer, Cmdr. Michael OReilly, welcomed aboard her her Sailors and family members including Alma Gravely who accompanied the destroyer during her final leg of its voyage.
As part of its tour of duty, the destroyer joined the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group consisting of USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), dock landing ship Gunston Hall (LPD 44) and 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU).
Gravely was named for Vice Admiral Samuel L. Gravely Jr., who made history by becoming the first black Naval commissioned officer ever appointed permanent captain of an American warship. As an active Navy sailor he commanded both submarine chaser PC-1264 and destroyer Theodore E. Chandler(DD-717), becoming both combat-ready commandants as well as becoming the first African-American vice admiral in U.S. Naval history.
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