Ship named for 1st black diver launches - Navy News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Navy Times

Ship named for 1st black diver launches

NORFOLK, Va. — The pioneering Navy diver who inspired the movie “Men of Honor” will be honored with a ship bearing his name.

The Navy says the ship, which will deliver ammunition, food, fuel and other dry cargo to ships at sea, will be launched Thursday in San Diego.

Brashear was the first black Navy diver. He was portrayed in the 2000 movie by Cuba Gooding Jr.

After losing a leg during a salvage operation, he also became the first Navy diver to be restored to full active duty as an amputee. He retired as a master chief after 31 years of service in 1979.

Brashear died in 2006 at Portsmouth Naval Medical Center.