Delbert Black

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Delbert D. Black

1st Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy
Allegiance	USN
Years of service	1941-1971
Rank	Master Chief Petty Officer
Commands	Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy
Battles/wars	World War II * Attack on Pearl Harbor
Awards	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.

Upon completion of recruit training in San Diego, California, he was assigned to 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 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, DC; 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 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 that Master Chief Gunner's Mate (GMCM) Black was appointed 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 ranking enlisted man in the U.S. Navy, serving as the enlisted representative to the Chief of Naval Operations. He counseled the highest Navy brass 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. He died at his home in Winter Park, Florida at the age of 77. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery, Section 11, Site 496 LH.

Master Chief Black was the first Navy enlisted man to receive the Distinguished Service Medal. He also held the Navy Unit Commendation, Navy Good Conduct Medal (7 stars), American Defense (1 star), American Campaign, Asiatic Pacific (8 stars), World War II Victory, China Service, Navy Occupation, National Defense Service Medal (1 star), Korean Service, Vietnam Service (3 stars), Antarctica Service, United Nations Service Medal, Philippine Liberation (2 stars), Philippine PUC, Vietnam Campaign with device, and Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross).