Samuel Lee Gravely, Jr. was born in Richmond, Virginia, on 4 June 1922. After attending Virginia Union University, he enlisted in the Naval Reserve in September 1942. In December 1944, he became an Ensign. In 1945-46, Gravely served in USS PC-1264. He was released from active duty in April 1946, but remained in the Naval Reserve.

Lieutenant (Junior Grade) Gravely was recalled to active duty in 1949. He had sea and shore duty during the next decade, including Korean War service, and transferred from the Naval Reserve to the regular Navy in 1955. His first seagoing command was USS Falgout (DER-324) in 1962. In July 1971, while serving as Commanding Officer of USS Jouett (DLG-29), Captain Gravely was promoted to Rear Admiral. He was the first African-American to achieve Flag Rank in the Navy.

In September 1976, Vice Admiral Gravely assumed command of the Third Fleet. During 1978-80, he was Director of the Defense Communications Agency. Vice Admiral Samuel L. Gravely, Jr., retired from the Navy on 1 August 1980.

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Photo #: NH 96774 Captain Samuel L. Gravely, Jr., USN Photographed circa 1970, while he was Commanding Officer of USS Jouett (DLG-29). U.S. NHHC Photograph. Online Image: 61KB; 590 x 765
Photo #: NH 96775 Rear Admiral Samuel L. Gravely, Jr., USN Portrait photograph, dated 7 March 1972. U.S. NHHC Photograph. Online Image: 57KB; 595 x 765
Photo #: NH 96773 Rear Admiral Samuel L. Gravely, Jr., USN Portrait photograph, taken 29 March 1973 by PHC Billings. U.S. NHHC Photograph. Online Image: 74KB; 595 x 765
Photo #: NH 96777 Captain Samuel L. Gravely, Jr., USN Speaking at the ceremony marking his promotion to flag rank, on board USS Jouett (DLG-29) at San Diego, California, 2 June 1971. Prior to his promotion to Rear Admiral, Captain Gravely was Jouett's Commanding Officer. U.S. NHHC Photograph. Online Image: 82KB; 585 x 765
Photo #: NH 96776 Rear Admiral Samuel L. Gravely, Jr., USN (Center) Receives the congratulations of other officers, following the ceremony marking his promotion to flag rank, on board USS Jouett (DLG-29) at San Diego, California, 2 June 1971. Prior to his promotion to Rear Admiral, Captain Gravely was Jouett's Commanding Officer. U.S.NHHC Photograph. Online Image: 80KB; 740 x 615
Photo #: NH 96778 Vice Admiral Samuel L. Gravely, Jr., USN (center), Vice Admiral Robert P. Coogan, USN (right), and an unidentified Commander (left) Saluting, during Third Fleet Change of Command ceremonies on board USS Reeves (CG-24) at the Naval Supply Center, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, 10 September 1976. Vice Admiral Gravely relieved Vice Admiral Coogan as Commander, Third Fleet. Photographed by PH1 Carl R. Begy. U.S. NHHC Photograph. Online Image: 53KB; 740 x 610

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