Delbert Black
| Delbert D. Black | |
|---|---|
1st Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy
|
|
| Born |
11 July 1922 Orr, Oklahoma |
| Died | 5 March 2000 (aged 77) Winter Park, Florida |
| Buried at | Arlington National Cemetery |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/branch | United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1941–1971 |
| Rate |
 Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy
|
| Commands held | Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy |
| Battles/wars | World War II *Attack on Pearl Harbor |
| Awards | Navy Distinguished Service Medal |
Delbert D. Black (11 July 1922 – 5 March 2000) was the first Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy, from 13 January 1967 to 1 April 1971.
Black was born in Orr, Oklahoma, graduating from high school in 1940. He enlisted in the United States Navy on 14 March 1941. Delbert "Del" Black was married to Ima Black (who is 95 in 2015) for 50 years and has a son Donny D. Black. Upon completion of recruit training in San Diego, he was assigned to the USS Maryland (BB-46) and was aboard during the attack on Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941. He later served at Receiving Station, Pearl Harbor; USS Doyle C. Barnes (DE-353); Naval Air Base, Samar, Philippines; USS Gardiners Bay (AVP-39); USS Boxer (CVA-21); USS Antietam (CVA-36); U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard, Washington, D.C.; Yokosuka, Japan ship repair facilities; USS Brush (DD-745); USS Carpenter (DDE-825); USS Norfolk (DL-1); Recruiting Duty, Columbia, Tennessee; USS Springfield (CL-66); USS Independence (CV-62); and Fleet Anti-Air Warfare Training Center (FAAWTC), Dam Neck, Virginia. During his career, he advanced from striking for the rate of Gunner's Mate to the rate of Master Chief.
On 13 January 1967, the Secretary of the Navy announced the appointment of Master Chief Gunner's Mate (GMCM) Black as the first Senior Enlisted Advisor, the position that would evolve into Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy. As such, he was the highest rated enlisted man in the U.S. Navy, serving as the enlisted representative to the Chief of Naval Operations. His function was to counsel the highest ranks of the Navy on issues associated with enlisted guidance, leadership, and policy. MCPON Black was the first enlisted man to write a foreword for The Bluejacket's Manual.
Upon retirement from active duty, Master Chief Black continued his involvement with the Navy through retired and active duty organizations. He was an active member of the USO Council of Central Florida; the Fleet Reserve Association; and Co-Chairman on the Secretary of Navy Committee on Retired Personnel. He died at his home in Winter Park, Florida from a heart attack at the age of 77. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery, Section 11, Site 496 LH.
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