Who was the first MCPON?

MCPON Delbert Black holds the distinction of being the first Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON). He was appointed to this important position on January 13, 1967, and served until 1971. This role was established to provide a single point of representation for the enlisted sailors' needs and concerns at the highest levels of the Navy's command structure. Delbert Black’s leadership and initiatives set the foundation for the MCPON position, influencing the development of enlisted personnel management and communication within the Navy. Each subsequent MCPON has built on the legacy established by Black, helping to further elevate the role and importance of enlisted sailors in naval operations.