The Centennial Seven

The Naval Submarine League recognizes the contributions of the sailors who helped pave the way for a stronger, more inclusive, and diverse Navy.

After 1893, African Americans in the Navy traditionally served in the Navy's Messman and Steward rates. Regulations then barred them from further opportunities such as becoming commissioned officers. The Navy later suspended enlistment of Black men from 1919 to 1933. Civil rights leaders and organizations, such as the NAACP, challenged these policies. Thousands of people across the nation wrote letters and signed petitions to allow Black men have the opportunity to serve equally as their white counterparts.

In 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed an executive order that prohibited ethnic and racial discrimination by federal agencies or contractors involved in the defense industry. This allowed African Americans to enlist for general service.

From left to right: Captain Pete Tzomes, Rear Admiral Tony Watson, Commander Will Bundy, Vice Admiral Mel Williams Jr., Captain Joe Peterson, Admiral Cecil Haney, and Vice Admiral Bruce Grooms (Source)

In 1983, CDR (later CAPT) C.A. "Pete" Tzomes assumed command of USS Houston (SSN 713), becoming the first African American to command a nuclear-powered Navy submarine. Over the span of the next 15 years, six more African Americans would also earn the title of commanding officer. Their names and the submarines they commanded are as follows (bolded names denote life members of the Naval Submarine League):

  • CAPT C.A. "Pete" Tzomes: USS Houston (SSN 713)
  • RADM Tony Watson: USS Jacksonville (SSN 699)
  • CDR Will Bundy: USS Barbel (SS 580)
  • VADM Mel Williams Jr.: USS Nebraska (SSBN 739) (Gold)
  • CAPT Joe Peterson: USS Dolphin (AGSS 555)
  • ADM Cecil Haney: USS Honolulu (SSN 718)
  • VADM Bruce Grooms: USS Asheville (SSN 758)
Note: CDR Bundy was posthumously awarded the 2020 NSL Distinguished Civilian Award.

These seven submariners proved themselves to be trailblazers to the Navy as we know it. Their dedication demonstrated their perseverance and the Navy's mission today in safeguarding the U.S. and our freedoms today.