(photo: gravelyexperience.org)

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Admiral Samuel L. Gravely served in the United States Navy for 38 years. Highlights of his trailblazing career include many firsts for African Americans, including:

 

• First to command a warship

• First to command a major warship

• First to achieve flag rank and eventually reach the rank of Vice Admiral

• First to command a fleet

 

He is recipient of:

 

• The Legion of Merit

• Bronze Star

• Meritorious Service Medal

• Navy Commendation Medal

 

The Destroyer USS Gravely (DDG-107), commissioned in 2010, is named

in his honor.

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COLLIER WALSH NAKAZAWA IS PROUD TO BE

THE PRESENTING SPONSOR OF THE

GRAVELY EXPERIENCE STUDENT ESSAY CONTEST

 

The Gravely Experience is an annual event focused on connecting students to leaders who have overcome adversity. This education-based event and essay contest draw on Admiral Gravely’s achievements to inspire positive change. The event kicks off with a luncheon February 23, 2022, aboard the USS Iowa, and concludes in October with the presentation of contest winners at the annual Freedom of the Seas Awards Gala in October, also aboard the USS Iowa.

 

“We are honored to be the Presenting Sponsor of the Gravely Experience’s Student Essay Contest for the 4th year”, said Joseph A. Walsh II, Partner at Collier Walsh Nakazawa, “Admiral Gravely serves as an inspiration to all as a trailblazing leader for positive change.”

 

“Our partnership with Collier Walsh Nakazawa has been a key piece of the foundation of the Gravely Experience here at the Battleship Iowa,” said Jonathan Williams, President and CEO of the National Museum of the Surface Navy at the Battleship Iowa, “As one of our most loyal Partners, they have been, and continue to be, a crucial asset to our efforts.”

 

For more information on the Admiral Gravely Experience and the USS Iowa, please click here: