Rear Admiral Black is a native of Tinton Falls, New Jersey. A 1986 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, he holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science and a Master of Science in Management from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, Calif.
At sea, he served as Commanding Officer of USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55) from January 2010 until November 2011. While in command, Leyte Gulf served as the Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Air Defense Commander and deployed to the Arabian Gulf and North Arabian Sea in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and New Dawn
Rear Adm. Black commanded USS Mason (DDG 87) from May 2004 until January 2006. While in command, Mason also deployed to the Arabian Gulf with the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group.
Rear Adm. Black’s other sea duty assignments include Executive Officer in USS Ramage (DDG 61), Weapons Officer and Combat Systems Officer in USS Normandy (CG 60), Fire Control Officer in USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55), Combat Information Center Officer and Damage Control Assistant in USS Gallery (FFG 26), and the staff of the Commander, South Atlantic Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet (USCOMSOLANT).
Rear Adm. Black’s shore duty assignments include Director, Surface Warfare Distribution Division (PERS-41), Special Assistant to Commander, Naval Surface Forces, Atlantic, Future Ships and DDG 1000 Branch Head in the Surface Warfare Directorate (N86) on the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations, and Afghanistan/Pakistan Politico-Military Policy Branch Head on the Joint Staff, Strategic Plans and Policy, (J5) in Washington, DC. Other assignments include Commander Detailer at the Navy Personnel Command in Millington, TN, and Surface Warfare Officer School (SWOS) Department Head Instructor in Newport, RI. He reported to his current assignment as Deputy Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command in June, 2015.
His awards include the Legion of Merit, the Joint Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal, the Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various unit and service awards.