Some 200 high school 11th graders gathered on the historic World War II-era Battleship Iowa in San Pedro on Tuesday, Feb. 24, for the ship’s 13th annual Gravely Celebration Experience, which recognizes Black History Month.

The event showcases the life and career of Vice Admiral Samuel L. Gravely Jr., the first African American to take command of a U.S. Navy combatant ship and be promoted to the ranks of commander, captain, rear admiral and, finally, vice admiral.

Gravely was born on June 4, 1922, and died on Oct. 22, 2004.

Gravely was a native of Richmond, Virginia, according to information posted on the Naval History and Naval Command website, and began his career as a seaman apprentice at Naval Station Great Lakes, Illinois, in 1942.

He was commissioned in 1944 and served during World War II onboard USS PC-1264. After the war and a brief stint as a civilian, he was recalled to active study in 1949 and remained on that status until he retired in 1980. During the Korean War, he served on board the USS Iowa.

In the 1960s, Gravely served as executive officer and acting commander of USS Theodore E. Chandler (DD-717), commanded the USS Falgout (DER-324) and helped integration efforts at the Naval War College.

Gravely served in the Defense Communications Agency and commanded the USS Taussig (DD-746), and was also a coordinator for the Navy’s satellite communications program.

He served as commander of the USS Jouett (DLG-29) in the early 1970s. In 1976, while serving as commander of the Third Fleet, he was promoted to vice admiral. Over the course of his career, Gravely received numerous recognitions and awards as a surface warfare officer, including the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal and the Navy Commendation Medal.

After retiring from the Navy, Gravely worked with the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association. He was survived by his wife, Alma, and three children, and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery. The USS Gravely (DDG-107) is named in his honor.