Senate Proceeding 05-21-09 on May 21st, 2009 :: 0:20:15 to 0:24:35
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0:20:11 to 0:20:31( Edit History Discussion )

Roger F. Wicker: insurance plan sense. thank you, madam preside i yield the f the presiding officer: the senator from a senator: i ask unanimous consent to speak in morning business for up minutes. the presiding officer:ithout objection.

0:20:15 to 0:24:35( Edit History Discussion )
Speech By: Roger F. Wicker

0:20:32 to 0:20:52( Edit History Discussion )

Roger F. Wicker: mr. wicker:r. president, this weekend the aegis guided missile destroyer was christened in honor of the late-vice admiral samuel l. gravely jr. admiral gravely was born in 1922 in education at virginia union

0:20:53 to 0:21:15( Edit History Discussion )

Roger F. Wicker: university and u.s. naval reserve. he attended officer traing camp at ucla, after boot camp at the great lakes naval traing station in illinois. and then midshipman school at columbia, university. when he bored his viers ship in may of 1954 became its first

0:21:16 to 0:21:36( Edit History Discussion )

Roger F. Wicker: african-american officer. gravely was the first after african-american to command a fighting and to command a major warship, the u.s. as a full commander, he made naval history in 1946 as the first african commander to lead a ship into direct offensive

0:21:37 to 0:21:57( Edit History Discussion )

Roger F. Wicker: action. the u.s.tossig. he was the first african-american to achieve flag rank and eventually vice admiral. in 1976, gravely became the commander of the entire third fleet commanding over 100 ships, 60,000 sailors, and overseeing

0:21:58 to 0:22:19( Edit History Discussion )

Roger F. Wicker: more than 5 miles of ocean. gravely's tenure in the naval service was challenged with the difficulties of racial discrimination. as a new recruit, he was trained in a segregated unit. as an officer, he was barred from living in the batch letter officer's quarters.

0:22:20 to 0:22:40( Edit History Discussion )

Roger F. Wicker: in 1945 when his first ship reached its birth in key florida, he was specifically forbidden entry into the officer's club on the base. gravely survived the intig knits of racial prejudice and displayed unquestionable competence as a naval officer. he exemplified standards and demanded the very

0:22:41 to 0:23:01( Edit History Discussion )

Roger F. Wicker: high standards from his crew. throughout his career, he stressed the rudiments of professionalism, ielligence, appearance, seamanship and, most importantly, vice admiral gravely was a trail blares for african-americans in the military arenavment he fought for e but effectively, letting his

0:23:02 to 0:23:22( Edit History Discussion )

Roger F. Wicker: actions and his military record speak for him. he died on october 22, 2004, at the naval hospital in bethesda, maryland. in a fitting tribute, the obituary on the u.s. department of defense web site quoted gravely's formula for success: "my formula is simply education

0:23:23 to 0:23:46( Edit History Discussion )

Roger F. Wicker: plus motivation plus perseverance." samuel l. gravely jr.'s performance and leadership as an african-american nav demonstrated to america the value and strength of diversity. he was a true professional with superb skills as a seaman and admirable leadership attributes. the u.s. s.s. gravely christened

0:23:47 to 0:24:07( Edit History Discussion )

Roger F. Wicker: in my state of mississippi in pascagoula will reflect his character, forthrightness and steadfastness and will stand for and deliver his legacy where ever it serves. his spirit aboard the.s. gravely will be an inspiration to its criewrks the united states navy, and americans for

0:24:08 to 0:24:20( Edit History Discussion )

Roger F. Wicker: generations to come. and i suggest the absence of a quorum. the pr clerk will call the roll.