Mayport Dedicates New BEQ Building 2105 Now MCPON Del Black Barracks

Black enlisted in the Navy in March 14, 1941 and completed a career which spanned thirty years. He assumed the duties of MCPON on Jan. 13, 1967 and held the title four years, retiring on April 1, 1971. Black served as a Gunner's Mate aboard nine warships, including USS Maryland (BB 46) in Pearl Harbor when Japan struck Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941.

Ima Black, Delbert's wife, attended the ceremony and spoke about her husband's career.

"When my husband became the MCPON, I said my husband is the top enlisted man in the Navy, and some 40 years later I still believe that holds true."

Guest Speaker for the event was retired MCPON John Hagen, who held that position from 1992 to1998.

"Del Black was a true leader, a Pearl Harbor survivor, and battle tested Sailor, who cared deeply for our junior enlisted and wanted to do everything in his power to improve their quality of life," said Hagen. "It is truly fitting that a barracks which will improve our Sailor's quality of life is being named after him."

The new barracks is part of the Navy's Homeport Ashore Program (HPA) which gives junior personnel who are on sea duty, and not eligible to receive housing allowance, the opportunity to live in a barracks when their ship is in port.

"It is all for the motivation of our young Sailors, to show them how successful they can be. MCPON Black is a great example of this, and we are pleased that we could dedicate this building to him," said Capt. Aaron Bowman, Commanding Officer of Naval Station Mayport.

"I wish I could have met him," said NS Mayport CMC Deborah Davidson. "What a presence he commanded through his hands-on approach and his words. When he took office, he had to figure it out from scatch. No one was really sure what to make of this position. He was responsible for initiating the Command Master Chief program throughout the Navy to ensure proper enlisted leadership and representation."

Once the barracks is at full capacity, they will house more than 500 Sailors. Occupants will have their own bedroom and share a common area with one other person, which will feature a television, microwave, stove and refrigerator.

"[Black] was quoted as saying 'The Navy is and always will be a part of my family. I never consider myself retired from the Navy, just less active. Anything I can do to help Sailors, it is my privilege to do, and I always will,'" Davidson said. "For the Sailors that live in this barracks, we hope they feel his presence."

Personnel are currently being transitioned from the ships' berthing to the barracks.