SAN PEDRO, Calif. – July 22, 2026 – The National Museum of the Surface Navy (NMSN) at Battleship IOWA, today announced Kamin Samuel, PhD, as its 2026 recipient of the VADM Samuel L. Gravely, Jr. Leadership Award. The award, which recognizes leaders who exemplify the trailblazing, courageous service of the late U.S. Surface Navy vice admiral, will be presented at the sixth annual Freedom of the Seas Awards Dinner, to be held aboard the iconic Battleship IOWA on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026.
Samuel started her professional career as the U.S. Navy’s first female African-American helicopter pilot. She served in the Navy for more than 9 years with various duties including being a Navy Flight Instructor. Dr. Samuel is now an international transformational coach, award-winning filmmaker, author, and speaker who helps leaders and professionals recognize their strengths, expand their impact, and step more fully into their potential. Drawing upon decades of military, corporate, and entrepreneurial leadership, she empowers people to create meaningful success and thrive in their work and lives.
I am deeply honored and humbled to receive the 2026 Vice Admiral Samuel L. Gravely, Jr. Award,” said Samuel. “To be recognized in the name of a leader whose courage, excellence, and service opened doors for me and so many others is a privilege beyond words. I had the honor of meeting him early in my career, and he left a lasting impression that inspired me to always strive to be my very best.”
“Kamin’s example and her accomplishments embody everything VADM Gravely stood for,” noted Bruce D.D. MacRae, chairman of the board for the museum, “and NMSN is proud that the presentation of this award gives us the opportunity to recognize her extraordinary achievements.”
The Freedom of the Seas Awards Dinner is held annually in honor of the largest naval battle of World War II, the Battle of Leyte Gulf, which transformed the U.S. Navy into the force that has ensured Freedom of the Seas for the past 81 years. This year’s event will celebrate the 250th birthday of our great nation. Attendees at the premier annual event will include top leaders from the education, veteran, community, industry, government, and military sectors.
For information on sponsorship opportunities, contact Kyle Aube, Director of Development at kaube@labattleship.com.
About the Freedom of the Seas Awards
The Freedom of the Seas Awards is the premier annual event of the National Museum of the Surface Navy at the Battleship IOWA. The event is held in honor of the anniversary of the Battle of Leyte Gulf, the largest naval battle in the history of the world, which occurred during World War II. After that battle, the U.S. Navy emerged as the dominant naval force at sea ensuring Freedom of the Seas throughout the world for the past 81 years. The Awards honor those who embody the core principles of the American Surface Navy’s mission to protect and defend our oceans for the benefit of the free world.
About Pacific Battleship Center
Pacific Battleship Center is a people-supported 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to strengthening America's role in maritime peace and prosperity. Through immersive environments and experiences, people discover, explore, and connect with opportunities in the maritime sector. Unlike many assume, our organization receives no operating funding from the U.S. Navy or government agencies and is solely funded by donors, sponsors, volunteers, and visitors like you who make its mission possible. PBC’s brands include National Museum of the Surface Navy at Battleship IOWA, Freedom of the Seas, LA Fleet Week, Camp Battleship, and Vicky’s Doghouse Café.
Pacific Battleship Center has been designated as the official 501(c)3 nonprofit partner for the Los Angeles Emergency Management Department (EMD).
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