USS Gravely’s 1st female Commander in Wilmington

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The Commander of the USS Gravely was in the Port City today.

Naval Commander Alysa Ambrose Mansfield is the first woman to serve as Commander of the ship, which was commissioned in Wilmington 2010.

The ship was named after Vice Admiral Samuel Gravely, the first African American to achieve numerous accomplishments in the Navy.

Mansfield said Gravely is inspiring to her.
“Admiral Gravely prided himself on not being the first African American. He prided himself on working hard and being well educated and well trained, and being the best candidate for whatever job presented itself at the time and I followed the same kind of path in my career,” said Mansfield.

According to Mansfield there are about 15 members left on her 300 sailor crew that were on board for the commission 5 years ago. She hopes the ship is able to dock in Wilmington while under her control.