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Library Dedicated to 1st African-American Supply Corps Admiral
Story Number: NNS130422-20
4/22/2013

By Lt. Reid Morrow, Navy Supply Corps School Public Affairs

NEWPORT, R.I. (NNS) -- The first African American Supply Corps admiral Rear Adm. William E. Powell Jr. was honored at a library dedication ceremony April 18 at the Navy Supply Corps School (NSCS), Naval Station Newport.

Montel Williams, a Naval Academy Preparatory School graduate and USNA, Class of 1980 alumnus; retired Vice Admiral Frank Donovan, and Rear Adm. Powell's grandson, Cameron Powell served as guest speakers.

The ceremony was attended by members of the Powell family; Rear Adm. Mark Heinrich, 46th Chief of Supply Corps; the Navy Supply Corps Foundation; members of the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA), Class of 1959; local dignitaries; and NSCS staff and students.

"He had a strong belief that this country was moving toward a time when men and women would be judged on their character," Heinrich said. "That vision he shared is more of a reality now than it has ever been."

"I thank Adm. Powell for his perseverance and loyal service from the rank of Seaman to Rear Admiral," Williams said.

Rear Adm. Powell was a graduate of the USNA, class of 1959; and the Naval Academy Preparatory School, Bainbridge, Md., in 1955. He became one of the first 15 African Americans to become supply officers and was the first to achieve Flag rank.

Rear Adm. Powell's major assignments included: Director of Supply Corps Personnel, Washington, D.C.; Commanding Officer, Naval Supply Depot, Subic Bay; Assistant Director of Supply Policy, Aviation Programs Division, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington D.C.; Director of the Planning Department, Navy Supply Center, Oakland; Aviation Supply Office, Philadelphia; Supply Officer, USS INTREPID (CV 11); Staff, Commander Cruiser Destroyer Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet; and Naval Supply Systems Command, Washington D.C.

In 1985, he was selected for Rear Admiral and was assigned as Commanding Officer, Naval Supply Center, Norfolk, where he established and modernized an automated procurement process.

Rear Adm. Powell retired after 29 years of distinguished service in November 1988.

"His monumental contributions opened doors for all of us. I wouldn't be standing here today if not for the path he laid before us," Williams said.

For more news from Naval Station Newport, visit www.navy.mil/local/nsnewport/.