Captain’s Corner

Greetings friends, families and honored guests.  

I thank you for your interest in the commissioning ceremony of the Navy’s newest Guided Missile Destroyer USS DELBERT D. BLACK (DDG 119).  The upcoming commissioning ceremony marks an important milestone in a ship’s life and completes the process that began with our ship’s naming in 2015.  This is much more than a ceremony, the commissioning of a ship is a culmination of unwavering dedication from the keel laying, to launch, to sea trials, and finally delivery, training certifications and Sail-away, the ship is ready to be introduced to the Fleet.  Today, when you hear the words “bring the ship to life,” DELBERT D. BLACK will come alive and her crew will stand ready to take our place in the world’s finest Navy.  

Our namesake is Master Chief Petty Officer Delbert D. Black. We are truly honored to have such a distinguished American as our ship’s namesake. Delbert D. Black was chosen to be the first Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy. After graduating from high school in 1940, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy on March 14, 1941. He served onboard USS Maryland (BB 46); 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 Seaman 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 the Fleet Anti-War Airfare Training Center, Dam Neck, VA. 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. Master Chief Black was also the first Navy enlisted man to receive the Distinguished Service Medal. 

I want to thank you for your support contributing to the ship’s construction, testing, and commissioning preparations, please know the ship and her crew are indebted to your support, service, and sacrifices.  The crew and I are honored by your presence and deeply appreciate your support.