![]() ![]() He passed away after a distinguished career both in the Navy and in the civilian workforce.Įdna Young was the first black woman to enlist in the regular Navy and later the first black woman to achieve the rank of chief petty officer. ![]() ![]() Brown became the first black graduate of the United States Naval Academy in 1949, joining the Navy’s Civil Engineer Corps and retiring at the rank of lieutenant commander. Striving for equality at home and blazing a trail for future African-American sailors, Wesley A. By the end of the war, 64 African-Americans had become officers in the Navy. These 13 officers not only made a contribution to the Navy during World War II, but to society as well. They were the first group of black servicemen to complete officer training in the Navy and led the way for future African-Americans. In February 1944, 12 prior-enlisted black servicemen were commissioned as ensigns and a 13th was made a warrant officer. During the Civil War, African-American sailors fought on every kind of Union warship, accounting for 10 to 24 percent of each ship’s crew, and included eight Medal of Honor recipients.ĭuring World War II, the Golden Thirteen were an example of African-Americans breaking new ground in the Navy and in American society. This year, Navy commands are encouraged to celebrate and reflect on the theme “Civil Rights in America.Īfrican-American sailors have a legacy of honorable service that permeates our naval history through every major armed conflict since the Revolutionary War. ![]() Ford expanded the celebration in 1976 to include the entire month of February. WASHINGTON (NNS) - The Navy joins our nation in celebrating the vibrant history and culture of African-American and black sailors during African-American/Black History Month throughout February.Įstablished in 1926 as Negro History Week, President Gerald R. ![]()
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