Fleet Master Chief April Beldo - Black History Month Feature [Image 2 of 7]

UNITED STATES

02.13.2023

Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Rebekah Watkins 

Chief of Naval Personnel

A graphic celebrating Fleet Master Chief April Beldo for Black History Month (U.S. Navy Graphic by Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class Rebekah Watkins).

Suggested post copy:

As we continue to celebrate #BlackHistoryMonth, we recognize trailblazer retired FLTCM April Beldo.
Beldo was the first of many Navy achievements: the first African American woman to become Command Master Chief (CMC) of Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes; the first African American woman CMC of an aircraft carrier; the first woman and African-American Force Master Chief for Naval Education and Training Command; and the first woman and African-American Fleet Master Chief for Manpower, Personnel, Training, and Education. Talk about making HISTORY❗❗

Beldo enlisted in the Navy in 1983. Her initial plan was to serve four years, learn self-discipline, save money and then return to college. Little did she know that from the day she stepped off the bus at Recruit Training Center in Orlando, Florida, that her career would span more than three decades and break numerous barriers.

Beldo, who retired Jan. 18, 2017 after 34 years, said she wants to be remembered as more than the first African-American woman to hold certain positions. She also wants to be remembered as a good Sailor, a good master chief: "If you can look somebody in the eye and you can say when you think of Master Chief Beldo, 'Fair, consistent, honest, knew what the Navy core values meant and practiced the core attributes,' that's all I want."

How has FLTCM Beldo’s story inspired your story? Let us know!: ⬇️

To learn more about the historical contributions of African Americans in the Navy:
https://www.history.navy.mil/browse-by-topic/diversity/african-americans.html

To learn more about how MyNavy HR’s N17 Office works to ensure all Sailors have the opportunity to succeed in today’s Navy, visit:
https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Support-Services/Culture-Resilience/

• Date Taken: 02.13.2023
• Date Posted: 02.13.2023 15:05
• Photo ID: 7631356
• VIRIN: 230213-N-UJ486-498
• Resolution: 2560x2560
• Size: 2.86 MB
• Location: US