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U.S. Navy Guided Missile Destroyer Delbert D. Black Underway for First Deployment

US Navy

04 August 2022

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Delbert D. Black (DDG 119) departed Naval Station Mayport on the ship's inaugural deployment, Aug. 2.

The ship completed all training phases of the Optimized Fleet Response Plan with Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 26 and Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10.

"Our ship and crew have trained for this moment for more than four years," said Cmdr. Mark Gallagher, commanding officer, Delbert D. Black. "We are prepared for any mission directed to us. The crew and ship are the finest the Navy has to offer, and I am proud to sail with each one of these fine men and women."

Commissioned in September 2020, the ship's crew is comprised of more than fifty officers and nearly 300 enlisted Sailors.

Delbert D. Black is the 68th Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer delivered to the Navy and the first to bear its name. The ship honors the first Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON). Black is known for initiating the master chief program, ensuring enlisted leadership was represented Navy-wide.

"It is an honor and a privilege to take this ship and crew on its maiden deployment", said Delbert D. Black's Command Master Chief Christopher Bartley. "We are following in the footsteps of our trailblazing namesake, making Del and Ima Black proud."

Mrs. Ima Black, MCPON Delbert D. Black's widow and a former Sailor, serves as the ship's sponsor. She served during World War II in the Navy WAVES - Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service.

A detachment from Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 48 will remain embarked aboard Delbert D. Black.

Delbert D. Black provides the nation multiple warfighting capabilities as one of the Navy's newest destroyers that maintains maritime stability and security to ensure access, deter aggression, and defend U.S., allied and partner interests as part of the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group.