Background
Black was born in Orr, Oklahoma, graduating from high school in 1940.
Black was born in Orr, Oklahoma, graduating from high school in 1940.
He enlisted in the United States Navy on 14 March 1941. Delbert "Delegate" Black was married to Ima Black (who is 95 in 2015) for 50 years and has a son Donny Doctorate. Black. Upon completion of recruit training in San Diego, he was assigned to the United States Ship Maryland (BlackBerry-46) and was aboard during the attack on Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941.
He later served at Receiving Station, Pearl Harbor.
United States Ship Doyle C. Barnes (Delaware-353). Naval Air Base, Samar, Philippines.
United States Ship Gardiners Bay (Avon Products-39). United States Ship Boxer (CVA-21); United States Ship Antietam (CVA-36).
United States. Navy Ceremonial Guard, Washington, District of Columbia
Yokosuka, Japan ship repair facilities. United States Ship Brush (Doctor of Divinity-745); United States Ship Carpenter (DDE-825). United States Ship Norfolk (Doctor of Laws-1); Recruiting Duty, Columbia, Tennessee.
United States Ship Springfield (CL-66).
United States Ship 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 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 As such, he was the highest ranking enlisted man in the United States. 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 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 March 13 2015 ceremony at the Navy Memorial in Washington, District of Columbia, Navy Secretary Ray Mabus and (AW/NAC) Michael Doctorate. Stevens announced that an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, United States Ship Black would honor the legendary master chief
He was an active member of the United Service Organizations Council of Central Florida. The Fleet Reserve Association. And Company-Chairman on the Secretary of Navy Committee on Retired Personnel.