VADM Black is a native of New Jersey and 1986 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, earning a Bachelor of Science in Political Science, and later a Master of Science in Management from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California.

At sea, Black served as commanding officer of USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55) and USS Mason (DDG 87). While in command, Leyte Gulf and Mason deployed to the Arabian Gulf, and the North Arabian Sea.

His other sea assignments include executive officer in USS Ramage (DDG 61); weapons officer and combat systems officer in USS Normandy (CG 60); fire control officer in USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55); combat information center officer and damage control assistant in USS Gallery (FFG 26); and the staff of commander, South Atlantic Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet.

Black’s shore assignments include director, Surface Warfare Officer Distribution (PERS-41), Navy Personnel Command, Millington, Tennessee; Future Ships branch head, Surface Warfare Division (N86) on the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations; and Afghanistan/Pakistan Politico-Military Policy branch head, Joint Staff, Strategic Plans and Policy (J5), Washington, D.C. His other assignments include Commander Detailer, Navy Personnel Command and Surface Warfare Officer School department head instructor, Newport, Rhode Island.

As a flag officer, he most recently served as commander, U.S. 6th Fleet; commander Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO; deputy commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe /Africa. His previous flag officer assignments include, director, Surface Warfare Division, N96, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations in Washington, D.C.; commander, Carrier Strike Group Eight; and deputy commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/U.S. 5th Fleet, Manama, Bahrain.

Black assumed duties as deputy chief of Naval Operations for Operations, Plans, and Strategy (N3N5) in October 2022.

Last Updated: 4 November 2022