Posted on 07/25/2006 3:12:33 PM PDT by Borges
He made history as the first African American US Navy Master Diver.
Tuesday afternoon, 75-year-old Carl Brashear died at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth,
His story was told in the 2000 film Men of Honor, and he was portrayed by actor Cuba Gooding, Jr.
Brashear joined the United States Navy in 1948 at the age of 17. He became the only amputee deep-sea diver to reach the status of Master Diver and was the only black man to ever become Master Diver of the United States Navy, a position he held from 1975 to 1977, according to the Navy.
He retired as a Boatswains Mate Master Chief.
Naval hospital officials said Brashear died at 2:45 p.m. of respiratory and heart failure.
His Marine Corps helicopter pilot son, Phillip, was home from Iraq on emergency leave and was at his fathers side.
Carl Brashear was a man of integrity. He was well-loved and admired by the hospital staff, said NMCP Commander Rear Adm. Thomas Cullison. It was an honor to provide the care for this American hero. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family members.
[A good son never forgets = AGSNF.]
jm
Damn. I met him three years ago. He was a funny guy.
To Jesus' loving arms, Master Chief. God bless, God speed.
Amen......Rest in Peace and thank you for your service.
"TT", Beth & Nana
Rest In Peace, Master Chief Brashear.
On behalf of the USS PIEDMONT (AD-17) circa (66-67) Divers, I salute you Master Diver Carl Brashear.
I would have been honored to have been your diving partner.
Hand Salute!.....two
Godspeed Master Chief.
We so enjoyed the movie about his life. He was a very brave man.
Thank God for this hero!
He became the only amputee deep-sea diver to reach the status of Master Diver
What can I say? Amazing.
God Bless him and his family.
Rest in peace.
BTTT
Ping.
This is one of those cases where on his final dive, a diver went up instead of down.
That is one of the all-time great movies. Mr. Scubachick and I love it.
God Bless You, Chief! RIP, you were a hero and a role model and a credit to our country and our troops!
This man was an inspiration, he will also be missed too. RIP BMCM!
I didn't know him personally, but served on the USS Hunley when Chief Brashear was on it in 1971. Everyone on the ship knew he was the diver with an artificial leg. Watching the movie later and seeing what he went through to get there gave me even more respect for him.
http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/sh-usn/usnsh-h/as31.htm
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