Carl Brashear was the sixth of nine children born to rural Kentucky
sharecroppers, McDonald and Gonzella Brashear. Carl attended a
small, segregated one-room schoolhouse and completed only seven
grades, however, he later earned a GED and continued his education
as an adult at the community college level. This ambition,
determination, and "can do spirit" was brought on by a strong
family background and it became the foundation upon which Carl was
able to build two outstanding and successful careers.
Carl Brashear joined the United States Navy in 1948 at the age of
17. He amassed the distinction of being a pioneer in the Navy as
the first black deep sea diver, the first black Master Diver, and
the first person in naval history to be restored to full active
duty as an amputee (the result of an injury he sustained during a
salvage operation). Carl was the first amputee to be advanced to
the rank of Master Chief Petty Officer.
Carl became the only amputee deep-sea diver to reach the status of
Master Diver and he is the only black man to ever hold the position
of Master Diver of the United States Navy (a position he held from
1975-1977). During his career, his appointments included non-diving
positions such as serving on President Eisenhower's staff as
Aquatic Escort and a variety of diving assignments on submarine
rescue and salvage ships. He even served on an aircraft carrier
during the Korean War.
Carl so distinguished himself as a sailor of polished appearance
and professionalism he was given the title "Mister Navy" by his
peers and consequently by the Navy. His most notable awards include
one of the highest peacetime Naval awards--the Navy/Marine Corps
Medal. In 1989 he was enshrined in naval history as a "Naval
Tradition Maker" and his portrait, commissioned by the Department
of the Navy, can be found in the Gallery of Art in Washington,
D.C.
Following a phenomenal naval career, which ended with his
retirement in 1979,Carl continued to excel. He began a civil
service employment career in 1982 as an Engineering Specialist and
he retired in 1993 as an Environmental Protection Specialist.
Carl's rapid advancement and accomplishments earned him the second
highest Civil Service award - the Navy Meritorious Civilian Service
Award.
Carl Brashear says his philosophy is, "love yourself, develop a
positive attitude, set a goal and work toward it with all your
might." He credits this as the key to his success.
