060729-N-5330L-004 Virginia Beach, Va. (July 29, 2006) - Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Honor Guard salute as they bring retired Master Chief Boatswain's Mate (Master Diver) Carl M. Brashear into the base Chapel aboard Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, Va., July 29. In May 1966, Brashear had the lower part of his left leg medically removed after suffering an accident at sea. After almost two years of rehabilitation, Master Chief Brashear became the first amputee to be certified as a U.S. Navy diver. Later in 1970 Master Chief Brashear was the first African American to become a U.S. Navy Master Diver. Brashear died from heart and respiratory failure at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Va., July 25, at the age of 75. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matthew D. Leistikow (RELEASED)
July 30, 2006
