In what capacity did MCPON Delbert D. Black serve as the first Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy?

MCPON Delbert D. Black served as the first Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy from 1967 to 1971. This period was significant as it marked the establishment of the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy position, which was created to provide enlisted personnel with a representative at the highest levels of Navy leadership. In this role, Black helped to shape the policies and standards that would govern the enlisted force, addressing issues related to training, morale, and advocacy for enlisted sailors. His tenure laid the foundation for future MCPONs and reinforced the importance of enlisted leadership within the Navy. This time frame is crucial in understanding the evolution of enlisted representation and leadership in the Navy, particularly as the role of senior enlisted personnel began to grow in influence during the late 1960s.