Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Delbert D. Black, 1941-1971

Served as the Navy’s first Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) from January 13, 1967 to April 1, 1971.  A Pearl Harbor survivor aboard battleship Maryland, he earned eight combat ribbons in WW II, served a tour in recruiting, and with the Ceremonial Guard in Washington, D.C.   His task was to create the position of MCPON by establishing credibility, faithfully representing the enlisted Sailor, fully supporting the chain of command, and inspiring a Navy in need of role models.  With a staff of one, he accomplished each of those things by the end of his tour. From then on, MCPONs have often been called upon to provide testimony to Congress on enlisted issues. He firmly established the office of the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy as one of dignity and respect, demonstrated that enlisted Sailors were capable of significant advise and responsibility.  He was a trusted advisor to the Chief of Naval Operations and an integral part of the Chain of Command.

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