DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS
2000 NAVY PENTAGON
WASHINGTON, DC 20350-2000
OPNAVINST 1650.36
N00D
2 Feb 2015
OPNAV INSTRUCTION 1650.36
From: Chief of Naval Operations
Subj: THE MASTER CHIEF PETTY OFFICER OF THE NAVY DELBERT D.
BLACK LEADERSHIP AWARD
1. Purpose. To provide policy and procedures for administering
the annual Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON)
Delbert D. Black Leadership Award.
2. Background. During his 30 years of distinguished service to
the Navy, MCPON Delbert D. Black was an exceptional deckplate
leader committed to Sailor and family advocacy. He possessed
the highest levels of moral, ethical and professional behavior,
and unquestionable integrity. In January 1967, he was selected
as the Navy’s first MCPON. During his tenure, MCPON Black
served as an advisor to the many boards dealing with enlisted
personnel issues and as the enlisted representative of the
Department of the Navy at many special events. He is also
credited with the establishment of the Command Master Chief
(CMDCM) Program. His unselfish ability to lead chief petty
officers (CPO), unwavering loyalty to the Navy, and commitment
to developing junior officers and Sailors set the tone for the
Navy. MCPON Black was a World War II veteran and Pearl Harbor
survivor and the first Navy enlisted Sailor to be awarded the
Distinguished Service Medal. It is similarly appropriate to
recognize the CMDCM, chief of the boat (COB), or command senior
chief (CMDCS) who demonstrates this same ideal of service with
sacrifice as demonstrated by MCPON Delbert D. Black.
3. Eligibility. Active and Reserve Component CMDCM, COB, and
CMDCS serving in and holding the Navy enlisted classification
9580, 9579, or 9578, respectively, during the nomination cycle
(1 October to 30 September) are eligible. The nominated
individual must have served at their parent command for a
minimum of 1 year.
