Naval History and Heritage Command

Baltimore, 21 February 2009: Members of the Navy's Centennial Seven pose with U.S. Naval Academy midshipmen. From left to right, Capt. Pete Tzomes, Rear Adm. Tony Watson, Cmdr. Will Bundy, Vice Adm. Mel Williams, Capt. Joe Peterson, Rear Adm. Cecil Haney, and Rear Adm. Bruce Grooms. The Centennial Seven were the only African Americans to command a submarine during the 20th century. Pictured to the right of Grooms, Cmdr. Rich Bryant, who commanded USS Miami (SSN-755), and Cmdr. Roger Isom, who commanded USS Wyoming (SSBN-742). Bryant and Isom were the first two African Americans to command a submarine during the 21st century.

Centennial Seven

• Capt. C.A. “Pete” Tzomes
• Rear Adm. Tony Watson
• Cmdr. Will Bundy
• Vice Adm. Mel Williams
• Capt. Joe Peterson
• Rear Adm. Cecil Haney
• Rear Adm. Bruce Grooms