Carl M. Brashear, father, husband, U.S. Navy Master Diver and inspirational African American leader. Carl Brashear stands to as a symbol of determination and courage through even the toughest circumstances. Brashear served in the U.S. Navy from 1948 until 1979 in a number of jobs before setting out to become America’s first African American Master Diver. He suffered debilitating setbacks in his career, but nevertheless persisted in his dreams and aspirations. His achievements in life have had lasting and positive effects on the African American community in the military and civilian life. Brashear’s accomplishments and leadership qualities are something all young ambitious sailors should set out to attain.
Born on January 19th, 1931 to…show more content… But he did not suffer alone, a man named Harry Rutherford aided and encouraged Brashear during the rigorous tests and backlash of people. When he came close to quitting, Rutherford was always at his side to talk him out of it. Within a few months only half of the applicants, which included Brashear, had made it through the diving program. His work began with small salvage jobs, but through this he learned the importance of teamwork with the diver and the people topside assisting and providing him with precious oxygen. However, in 1960, Brashear suffered a major setback in his career. He went to qualify for his 1st class diving qualification, but failed and lost his diving certification. Nevertheless, he returned to diving school and worked his way up again to 2nd class Diver. Finally, by 1964 he achieved 1st class Diver and was assigned to the USS Hoist, which would be his ticket to Master Diver in the future. In 1966, his career progress came to a screeching halt when he lost his leg in an accident aboard the ship. The loss of his limb could not stop him from becoming a Master Diver, and so the hard work began. He worked harder than any other diver in all ways possible, pushing himself to physical extremes to prove he was capable of keeping his job. After two more tours, Brashear reported to Washington D.C. to earn his Master Diver qualification. Once
