Delbert Black
Template:Short description Script error: No such module "Unsubst". Template:Use dmy dates Script error: No such module "Infobox".Template:Template otherScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Delbert D. Black (11 July 1922 – 5 March 2000) was a senior sailor in the United States Navy who served as the first Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy from 13 January 1967 to 1 April 1971.
Early life and family
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 for 50 years and had a son Donny D. Black. Grandfather to Dylan and Nathan Black.
Upon completion of recruit training in San Diego, Black was assigned to the Script error: No such module "WPSHIPS utilities". and was aboard during the attack on Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941. He later served at Receiving Station, Pearl Harbor; Script error: No such module "WPSHIPS utilities".; Naval Air Base Samar, Philippines; Script error: No such module "WPSHIPS utilities"., Script error: No such module "WPSHIPS utilities".; Script error: No such module "WPSHIPS utilities".; U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard, Washington, D.C.; Yokosuka, Japan ship repair facilities; Script error: No such module "WPSHIPS utilities".; Script error: No such module "WPSHIPS utilities".; Script error: No such module "WPSHIPS utilities".; Recruiting Duty, Columbia, Tennessee; Script error: No such module "WPSHIPS utilities".; Script error: No such module "WPSHIPS utilities".; 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 rank 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 United States 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. Black was the first enlisted man to write a foreword for The Bluejacket's Manual.
Retirement and later work
Upon retirement from active duty, 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.
At a 13 March 2015 ceremony at the Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C., Navy Secretary Ray Mabus and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (AW/NAC) Michael D. Stevens announced that an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, USS Delbert D. Black, would honor Delbert Black.
Awards and decorations
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- 7 gold Service stripes.
References
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External links
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- 1922 births
- 2000 deaths
- People from Love County, Oklahoma
- Master Chief Petty Officers of the United States Navy
- United States Navy personnel of World War II
- Burials at Arlington National Cemetery
- Recipients of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal
- People from Winter Park, Florida
- United States Navy personnel of the Korean War
- United States Navy personnel of the Vietnam War