USS Delbert D. Black (DDG 119)

Huntington Igall Industries Photo by Lance Davis.

USS DELBERT D. BLACK is one of the ARLEIGH BURKE Flight IIA guided missile destroyers and the first ship in the Navy named after Master Chief Petty Officer Delbert Black, the first Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON).

General Characteristics:	Awarded: June 3, 2013
	Keel laid: June 1, 2016
	Launched: September 8, 2017
	Commissioned: September 26, 2020
	Builder: Northrop Grumman Ship Systems' Ingalls Operations, Pascagoula, Miss.
	Propulsion system: four General Electric LM 2500 gas turbine engines
	Propellers: two
	Length: 508,5 feet (155 meters)
	Beam: 67 feet (20.4 meters)
	Draft: 30.5 feet (9.3 meters)
	Displacement: approx. 9,200 tons full load
	Speed: 32 knots
	Aircraft: two SH-60 (LAMPS 3) helicopters
	Armament: one Mk-45 5"/62 caliber lightweight gun, two Mk-41 VLS for Standard missiles and Tomahawk ASM/LAM, one 20mm Phalanx CIWS, two Mk-32 triple torpedo tubes for Mk-50 and Mk-46 torpedoes, two Mk 38 Mod 2 25mm machine gun systems
	Homeport: Mayport, Fla.
	Crew: approx. 320

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Crew List:

This section contains the names of sailors who served aboard USS DELBERT D. BLACK. It is no official listing but contains the names of sailors who submitted their information.

Click here to view the list.

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Click here to see which USS DELBERT D. BLACK memorabilia are currently for sale on ebay.

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About the Ship's Coat of Arms:

The Shield:

The colors dark blue and gold are the traditional colors associated with the United States Navy. Crossed cannons were the initial rating insignia of Delbert D. Black and, also, symbolize his promotion to Master Chief Gunner's Mate. This position would evolve into Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON), represented by the anchor and stars of the MCPON badge. Three white wavy bars denote the functions of his position: to counsel the highest ranks of the Navy on issues associated with enlisted guidance, leadership and policy.

The Crest:

The eagle is displayed as seen on the obverse of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal and bears on its chest the suspension of the medal, honoring Master Chief Black for his dedication, outstanding performance and contributions to the US Navy.

Supporters:

The crossed Navy enlisted cutlasses symbolize MCPON Black's career and his position as the highest rated enlisted man in the Navy.

The Motto:

The hull numbers "BB-37" (USS OKLAHOMA) and "BB-46" (USS MARYLAND), represent Delbert Black's home state and the ship he served on during the attack on Pearl Harbor, respectively. "ANCHORED IN ARMS" inscribed in part on the Headstone of Delbert D. Black. "ANCHORED IN THE ARMS OF GOD" is inscribed on the headstone in full.

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Accidents aboard USS DELBERT D. BLACK:

Date	Where	Events
March 29, 2019	Pascagoula, Miss.	While under construction, DELBERT D. BLACK suffers significant damage when a heavy-lift ship collides with a barge moored alongside the DELBERT D. BLACK. The new destroyer suffers damage to its hull and superstructure including internal flooding. Damages were estimated to be around $10-15 million USD.

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About the Ship's Name:

USS DELBERT D. BLACK is named for the first Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Delbert D. Black. MCPON Black enlisted in the US Navy on March 14, 1941, and was assigned to the USS MARYLAND (BB 46), based in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. He was present when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor and assisted in the defense of the fleet and subsequent recovery of those vessels deemed too damaged or unable to support.

Following his tour on MARYLAND, he served on 8 additional ships, for a total of 21 years spent at sea. In 1967, he established the position of Senior Enlisted Advisor of the Navy, which was changed to Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy three months later. While MCPON, he oversaw the establishment of the Senior Enlisted Advisor position, which eventually became known as the Command Master Chief.

The creation of programs during his tenure, to include full time billets for Career Counselors, expansion of uniform wear guidance, sea-pay increases and civilian clothing being allowed on ships, helped boost the retention and career advancement in a time the Navy was losing manpower.

MCPON Black passed away on March 5, 2000. He is survived by his wife, Ima, their son Donny, and two grandsons.

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USS DELBERT D. BLACK Image Gallery:

The photo below was taken by Michael Jenning and shows the DELBERT D. BLACK under construction at Northrop Grumman Ship Systems Ingalls Operations, Pascagoula, Miss., on October 17, 2019.

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