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PCU Gravely Arrives in Wilmington for Commissioning

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS101113-10
11/13/2010

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Eric Tretter, Navy Public Affairs Support Element East

WILMINGTON, N.C. (NNS) -- The Navy's newest Arleigh Burke class guided-missile destroyer, Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) Gravely (DDG 107) arrived in Wilmington, N.C. Nov.12 for a commissioning ceremony scheduled for Nov. 20.

The ship's namesake, the late Vice Adm. Samuel Lee Gravely, Jr., earned distinctions for many 'firsts' as an officer in the United States Navy.

Gravely was the first African American to command a warship (USS Theodore E. Chandler); to command a warship in combat (USS Taussig); to command a major warship (USS Jouett); to attain flag rank; to become a vice admiral; and to command a numbered fleet (3rd Fleet).

The city of Wilmington is welcoming Gravely and its Sailors with a week's worth of activities before the commissioning. The activities include a 5K run, golfing with local veterans, public tours and visits to local hospitals and senior centers.

Gravely is commanded by Cmdr. Douglas Kunzman and was constructed at Northrop Grumman in Pascagoula, Miss. The ship is 510 feet long, has a full load displacement of 9,200 tons and is powered by four gas turbine engines.

"Wilmington has welcomed us with open arms," said Kunzman. "The Gravely's crew and their families are excited to be commissioning Gravely in such a welcoming and historic city."

Approximately 5,000 people are expected to attend the commissioning ceremony, including nearly 2,000 family members of a crew of 275 Sailors, and the ship's sponsor, Alma Gravely, Vice Adm. Gravely's widow. The last Navy vessel commissioned in Wilmington was the USS North Carolina (SSN 777) in May 2008.