Samuel Receives 2026 Gravely Leadership Award
Dr. Kamin Samuel was honored with the Vice Admiral Samuel L. Gravely Jr. Leadership Award at the sixth annual Freedom of the Seas Awards Dinner aboard Battleship IOWA.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Awards
The National Museum of the Surface Navy named Dr. Kamin Samuel recipient of the 2026 Vice Admiral Samuel L. Gravely Jr. Leadership Award during a ceremony on Saturday, October 24. Samuel, the first Black female helicopter pilot in the United States Navy, received the honor at the Freedom of the Seas Awards Dinner held aboard Battleship IOWA in San Pedro.
Why it matters
The award recognizes individuals who demonstrate courage, perseverance, and leadership while creating opportunities for others, honoring a career that spans military aviation and corporate leadership. The recognition also draws attention to the legacy of Vice Admiral Samuel L. Gravely Jr., the first Black American to command a U.S. Navy warship and attain the rank of vice admiral.
The award honors Samuel's more than nine years of Navy service, including her role as a flight instructor, and the ceremony marked the sixth annual Freedom of the Seas Awards Dinner. The recognition was presented to a 2026 honoree selected by the National Museum of the Surface Navy.
The players
National Museum of the Surface Navy
The organization that selects and presents the Vice Admiral Samuel L. Gravely Jr. Leadership Award and hosts the Freedom of the Seas Awards Dinner.
Dr. Kamin Samuel
A former Navy helicopter pilot and flight instructor who later became a corporate leader, transformational coach, filmmaker, author, and speaker.
Vice Admiral Samuel L. Gravely Jr.
The first Black American to command a U.S. Navy warship, command a fleet, and attain the rank of vice admiral, for whom the award is named.
The details
Samuel was honored with the 2026 Vice Admiral Samuel L. Gravely Jr. Leadership Award at the Freedom of the Seas Awards Dinner, where naval historian Trent Hone also received the Freedom of the Seas Award. Samuel has since built a career as an international transformational coach, award-winning filmmaker, author, and speaker, following senior leadership roles in technology and online merchandising.
Timeline
Saturday, October 24, 2026: Award presented at the Freedom of the Seas Awards Dinner aboard Battleship IOWA in San Pedro.
Legacy in Uniform
The award is named for Vice Admiral Samuel L. Gravely Jr., the first Black American to command a U.S. Navy warship, command a fleet, and attain the rank of vice admiral. Recognizing Dr. Kamin Samuel, the first Black female helicopter pilot in the Navy, continues that barrier-breaking tradition within the same service.
Readers in Los Angeles can follow the work of the National Museum of the Surface Navy and its Freedom of the Seas Awards program, which recognizes leaders from the maritime and military community. The ceremony's location aboard Battleship IOWA in San Pedro offers a local connection to the Navy's history on the West Coast.
The takeaway
Recognition like the Gravely Award highlights how sustained leadership and perseverance can open doors for others entering demanding fields. Stories of pioneers such as Samuel offer a model for anyone seeking to build a career across military, corporate, and creative pursuits.
Further reading
Explore more award news and recognitions from across the region.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Los Angeles Sentinel.
