Barry Black

In 2003, Barry C. Black was elected the 62nd U.S. Senate chaplain, becoming the first African American to hold this office. Prior to serving in the Senate, Black served for over 27 years as chaplain in the United States Navy, rising to the rank of Rear Admiral and ending his career as the Chief of Chaplains of the United States Navy and Chief of the United States Navy Chaplain Corps. As a Rear Admiral, his personal decorations included the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit Medal, twice awarded the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, twice awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, and twice received the Navy Commendation Medal, and the Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and numerous unit awards, campaign, and service medals.