U.S. Navy Master Chief William “Bill” Goines, the first black Navy SEAL, died June 10 at the age of 88, according to reports.
Goines joined the Navy in 1955 and served three tours in Vietnam, according to WTKR. He retired from the Navy in 1987 after serving for over three decades and has been awarded the Bronze Star, the Navy Commendation Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, a Combat Action Ribbon and a Presidential Unit Citation.
The Master Chief was part of the founding group of SEALs when President John F. Kennedy created the special operations force in 1962, The Virginia-Pilot reported. (RELATED: Navy Identifies SEALs Lost During Search And Seizure Mission Near Somalia)
“He was a great guy, a great teammate and a great instructor,” said Rick Woolard, a retired SEAL who served with Goines. “He led quietly and effectively and was respected by all the trainees.”
This week we lost a Legend and a Warrior, Master Chief William Goines who was the first African American Navy SEAL, a Patriot, a stellar Teammate, Husband and Father.#RestEasy we have the watch. And #LLTB 🐸🔱 pic.twitter.com/8Bjtp0H5m0
— Remi Adeleke (@RemiAdeleke) June 14, 2024
After leaving the Navy, Goines worked as Portsmouth schools’ police chief for over ten years, the news outlet reported. In 2023, Goines received the Lone Sailor Award. Retired Rear Admiral Julius Caesar, who nominated him for the award, characterized Goines as “a towering figure who loves the Navy.”
“He excelled as a Navy SEAL deploying on dangerous missions and was a part of the early establishment of the Navy SEALS in 1962. Master Chief Goines faced headwinds as the first African American Navy SEAL but overcame them through grit, determination, and a love of the Nation. He’s an inspiration to all through his humility,” Caesar added.
