Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C./ERR -- Rear Admiral Barry C. Black, U.S. Navy Chief of Chaplains, was aboard the Depot for the Navy Chaplains? Corps Birthday Ball Nov. 21 through Sunday.
During his visit, Rear Adm. Black observed recruit training, met with Depot chaplains and religious program specialists, toured 4th RTBn., spoke at DI School, observed graduation, attended the chaplains? ball and gave sermons at Depot church services.
President George W. Bush selected Rear Adm. Black as Chief of Chaplains in August 2001. As Chief of Chaplains, he is responsible for managing the entire Navy Chaplains? Corps. He advises key government figures, such as the Chief of Naval Operations, the Secretary of the Navy, and the commandants of the Marine Corps and the Coast Guard, on ethical, religious and moral matters as they relate to military members.
?I advise them on church matters and religious accommodation issues,? he said. ?I also advise them on things they can?t do in the military due to theological reasons. Then, I provide guidance on the validity of those particular reasons. I also give guidance on morale among military personnel and preventing suicide, among other negative things.?
To the 1,000 chaplains and 500 religious program specialists under his command, Rear Adm. Black stresses how important it is for them to keep their spiritual ties strong.
?I make a point to let them know that they are sons and daughters of God. If they keep that relationship strong, the rest of their work will take care of itself. God will give them the wisdom they need. They must maintain their spiritual fitness.?
During visits such as these, Rear Adm. Black makes it a point to also listen to those who fall under his command in order to better serve them as chief.
?I like to find out how things are going and what their needs are,?
he said. ?I find out how I can use my position to help them communicate their needs to the significant leaders who can truly make a difference. They also want to know what?s going on in the world when I come and conduct regular informal inspections. I?m sort of the eyes and ears of key leaders, such as the [Secretary of the Navy].?
There are many things about his job Rear Adm. Black finds particularly satisfying, like being given the opportunity to preach at Camp David and helping the nation?s youth
.
?I always wanted to work with young people,? he said. ?Being a military chaplain affords me that opportunity.?
From his point of view, Rear Adm. Black was practically born to do what he does.
?I never had any aspirations of doing anything else my entire life,? he said. ?I?ve always wanted to be a minister. When my mother was pregnant with me, she was baptized as a Christian. Before entering the baptismal waters, she prayed that God would do something special for the unborn child.?