GUIDED MISSILE DESTROYER DELBERT D. BLACK JOINS THE FLEET
U.S. Navy will commission the guided missile destroyer USS Delbert D. Black (DDG 119) Sept. 26 in Port Canaveral.
The History of Delbert Black
Master Chief Petty Officer Delbert D. Black was born in Oklahoma, graduating from high school in 1940. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on March 14, 1941.
Upon completion of recruit training in San Diego, California, he was assigned to USS Maryland (BB-46) and was aboard in Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. He later served at Receiving Station, Pearl Harbor; USS Barnes (DE-353); Naval Air Base, Samar, Philippines; USS Garners Bay (AVP-36); 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 (CLG-62); and FAAWTC, Dam Neck, Virginia.
On January 13, 1967, the Secretary of the Navy announced Master Chief Black was selected as the First Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy. As such, he was the highest ranking enlisted man in the U.S. Navy, serving as the enlisted representative to the Chief of Naval Operations. He counseled the highest Navy councils on problems associated with enlisted guidance, leadership, and policy.
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.
Master Chief Black was the first Navy enlisted man to receive the Distinguished Service Medal. He also holds the Navy Unit Commendation, Navy Good Conduct (7 stars), American Defense (1 star), American Campaign, Asiatic Pacific (8 stars), World War II Victory, China Service, Navy Occupation, National Defense (1 star), Korean Service, Vietnam Service (3 stars), Antarctica Service, United Nations, Philippine Liberation (2 stars), Philippine PUC, Vietnam Campaign with device, and Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross).
Biography from the Office of the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy
Author: Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Daniel C. Coxwest
Delbert D. Black is configured as a Flight IIA destroyer, capable of power projection, forward presence and escort operations at sea in support of Low Intensity Conflict/Coastal and Littoral Offshore Warfare as well as open ocean conflict. The destroyer will be equipped with the Navy’s Aegis Combat System, the world’s foremost integrated naval weapon.
The ship’s namesake is Master Chief Petty Officer Delbert D. Black, the Navy’s first ever Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON), the highest ranking position for enlisted personnel. MCPON Black was born in Oklahoma and joined the Navy in 1941. Black began his career as a Gunner’s Mate before obtaining the title of MCPON and would go on to serve 30 years in the Navy.
During his time serving in the Navy, MCPON Black met his wife, Ima Black, who was also in serving in the Navy as a Storekeeper 1st Class, at a basketball game.
“As I was sitting in the stands with my girlfriends I whispered to them as I looked down at the basketball court, I like number 13,” said Ima Black. “Because he had a shipmate that went to him and told him, he said, ‘Hey, do you know that blonde that works over the ship’s store?’ Of course he told him what I said and he came over and looked me up. It was perhaps a year late that we were married and we were married for 50 years.”
On January 13, 1967 the Secretary of the Navy announced that Master Chief Gunner’s Mate (GMCM) Delbert D. Black would be appointed to the position of MCPON, making him the first Sailor to assume that rank and title.
Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Russell Smith discussed the importance of having a Navy vessel named after MCPON Black.
“It’s significant because it’s a formal recognition of the position in a way that’s unique,” said Smith. “Naming a ship after him, it’s a way of really saying just how important this position really is in a way that nothing else is ever really done. The exploits that Delbert Black has to his credit is that he was the MCPON and naming a ship after him is a way of recognizing that feat.”
The legacy that MCPON Black has created will now be able to live on through the crew of the ship that carries his namesake.
“The reason that we still have this office is because of the legacy of the folks that have been in this office has been such, it’s never been easy and there’s never been an easy time,” said Smith.
Following the commissioning the USS Delbert D. Black will transit to her new homeport at Naval Station Mayport, Florida.