Navy Icon Vice Adm. Gene Black Bids Farewell After 38 Distinguished Years

Family, friends, and shipmates gathered to honor Black’s distinguished 38-year tenure as a surface warfare officer.

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti led the ceremony, expressing deep gratitude for Black’s exemplary service.

“Thank you for personally making a difference for our Sailors, Civilians, and their families, and our Navy and our Nation,” stated Franchetti. “Your legacy will continue through those you’ve led and mentored.”

Black, reflecting on his career, paid tribute to his family and the Sailors he served with.

“Serving in the Navy for 38 years with incredible Sailors has been my greatest honor,” he remarked.

Originally from New Jersey, Black graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1986 with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science. He later obtained a Master of Science in Management from the Naval Postgraduate School.

Black took on the role of Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Operations, Plans, and Strategy (N3N5) in October 2022.

Sea duty saw him as commanding officer of USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55) and USS Mason (DDG 87), with both ships being deployed to the Arabian Gulf and the North Arabian Sea under his command.

As a flag officer, Black’s most recent assignment was commander of the U.S. 6th Fleet. He also served as commander of Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, and held multiple other key positions.