The Delbert D. Black National Chief’s Mess tells the unique story and important role of the Navy Chief Petty Officer (CPO) and provides an opportunity for Chiefs around the Navy to stay connected. The National Chief's Mess was dedicated in September 2017 in memory of Delbert D. Black, the first Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON). MCPON Black helped improve the quality of life for Sailors and their families by laying the groundwork for programs and policies that his successors would implement for the next 50 years. He worked hard to demonstrate the importance of the role of MCPON and built confidence in Navy Leadership.
National Chief’s Mess Membership Platform
The mission of the National Chief’s Mess is to Connect Active-Duty, Reserve, or Retired Navy and Coast Guard Chiefs in a collaborative environment; to Promote professional networking and social interactions; to create Opportunity for maintaining a sense of purpose and belonging; and to Support each other and the ideals of "Once a Chief, always a Chief."
If you’re having trouble logging onto to National Chief’s Mess Platform, please contact NationalChiefsMess@NavyMemorial.org.
Honor a Chief
Laying the Keel for the Office of the MCPON
During his tenure in early 2000, the 9th Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON), Jim Herdt, tasked a journalist with conducting historical interviews of previous MCPONs. Watch the raw, unedited history of the MCPON's office – spoken by those who laid the keel – in this new video series. Each interview is downloadable.
You can “Honor a Chief ” and support the National Chief ’s Mess by recognizing a Chief that has provided inspiration, mentorship, and guidance to you.
Utilizing the interactive display inside the Delbert D. Black National Chief ’s Mess, we will display your message of thanks and a photo, if provided, of the Chief you wish to honor.
What is a Chief Petty Officer?
The Chief is a consummate leader. All branches of the military have the ranks E-7 to E-9, but there is nothing like the Navy’s Chief Petty Officer (CPO). Since 1893 to date, chiefs have been the subject matter expert leaders on deck, the "go-to" for questions, and the people who have a pulse on the enlisted sailors below them. Chiefs are the glue that binds the US Navy together, bridging the gap between officers and enlisted sailors. Being a Chief is a unique achievement and level of responsibility like no other in the world. It is often said, "Chiefs don't run the Navy, they make the Navy run."
What is a Chief's Mess?
Aboard ships, in squadrons, and all commands the Chiefs are organized into a "Mess", or the place where they eat, lounge, and have meetings. The Chief's Mess holds great symbolic meaning for everyone in the United States Navy from the newest recruit to the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO). Their mess is where Chiefs go to gain advice from other Chiefs and also communicate to each other exactly how the orders from officers are to be carried out on the deck as a unified front.
Exhibits
Several special exhibits housed in the National Chief's Mess tell the important story and unique role that the Navy Chief Petty Officer (CPO) has played for more than a century.
Events & Programs
The Navy Memorial hosts various events, Messes, and programs throughout the year to connect and celebrate Navy Chiefs from commands worldwide.
