Senate joins Sen. Kidd in honoring life of historic MCPON Black

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Senate approved a resolution by Sen. Chris Kidd, R-Waurika, Thursday, honoring the life and service of Navy veteran Delbert D. Black. Senate Resolution 15 recognized the Oklahoma native’s historic military career, which included being named the nation’s first Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) in 1967.

“In the Legislature, we get to honor many outstanding Oklahoma sons and daughters, but getting to recognize MCPON Delbert Black has been by far one of the greatest privileges for me,” Kidd said. “He was a true patriot, who loved his country and worked so hard on behalf of veterans. I was extremely proud to recognize his incredible dedication, leadership, service and legacy to our state and nation.”

Master Chief Black was the highest-ranking enlisted member of the Navy and served as the enlisted liaison to the Chief of Naval Operations, focusing on guidance, leadership, and policy. His military career spanned three decades, beginning in 1941 when he enlisted in the U.S. Navy until he retired in 1971. After completing recruit training in California, he was assigned to the USS Maryland (BB-46) and was aboard in Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941; and over the years, served on numerous other vessels for assignments around the world.

After retirement, he continued his involvement with the Navy through various retired and active duty organizations, including the USO Council of Central Florida, the Fleet Reserve Association, and co-chairman on the Secretary of Navy Committee on Retired Personnel.

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

Attending the ceremony in MCPON Black’s honor were U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officers, Chief Jonathan Ricks, Senior Chief Mike Dant, and Command Master Chiefs Jacob Stovall, Leo Eugene, and Kevin Lohrky.

Born in 1922 in Orr, Oklahoma, Black passed away in March 2000 and was laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery. Following his death, he had a combatant ship, the USS Delbert D. Black, named in his honor, which was launched in September 2017 and officially began service in September 2020.

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For more information, contact:  Sen. Kidd: (405) 521-5563 or Chris.Kidd@oksenate.gov

CUTLINE: Sen. Chris Kidd, R-Waurika, presents Senate Resolution 15 on the Senate floor Thursday, honoring the life and career of Oklahoma son, MCPON Delbert D. Black, alongside Naval officers who attended in his honor. 
(L-R) Sen. Kidd; Command Master Chiefs Kevin Lohrky; Leo Eugene; and Jacob Stovall, along with Chief Petty Officers, Senior Chief Mike Dant and Chief Jonathan Ricks. 

CUTLINE 2: Following approval of SR15 honoring MCPON Delbert Black Thursday in the Senate, Sen. Chris Kidd, R-Waurika, visited with (L-R) Navy Chief Petty Officer Jonathan Ricks; Command Master Chiefs Kevin Lohrky; Jacob Stovall; and Leo Eugene, along with Senior Chief Mike Dant, who attended in memory and honor of MCPON Black. 

CUTLINE 3: Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Delbert D. Black.