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Legendary Navy diver Brashear dies
WVEC ^
| 7/25/06
Posted on 07/25/2006 3:12:33 PM PDT by Borges
He made history as the first African American US Navy Master Diver.
Tuesday afternoon, 75-year-old Carl Brashear died at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth,
His story was told in the 2000 film Men of Honor, and he was portrayed by actor Cuba Gooding, Jr.
Brashear joined the United States Navy in 1948 at the age of 17. He became the only amputee deep-sea diver to reach the status of Master Diver and was the only black man to ever become Master Diver of the United States Navy, a position he held from 1975 to 1977, according to the Navy.
He retired as a Boatswains Mate Master Chief.
Naval hospital officials said Brashear died at 2:45 p.m. of respiratory and heart failure.
His Marine Corps helicopter pilot son, Phillip, was home from Iraq on emergency leave and was at his fathers side.
Carl Brashear was a man of integrity. He was well-loved and admired by the hospital staff, said NMCP Commander Rear Adm. Thomas Cullison. It was an honor to provide the care for this American hero. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family members.
TOPICS: Culture/Society
KEYWORDS: americanhero; biography; brashear; carlbrashear; diver; hero; navy; obituary; restinpeace; scuba; usn
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1
posted on
07/25/2006 3:12:34 PM PDT
by
Borges
To: Borges
A truly incredible man. Prayers for his family.
2
posted on
07/25/2006 3:17:11 PM PDT
by
proud_yank
(If you think healthcare is expensive now, wait until its free.)
To: Borges
God Bless you and take care of your soul Master Chief!
Thank you for your service!!!
3
posted on
07/25/2006 3:18:35 PM PDT
by
Syntyr
(Food for the NSA Line Eater -> "terrorist" "bomb" "plot" "kill" "overthrow" "coup de tas")
To: Borges; SandRat; 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub
4
posted on
07/25/2006 3:18:45 PM PDT
by
proud_yank
(If you think healthcare is expensive now, wait until its free.)
To: Borges
Rest in Peace Master Chief.
To: Borges
Brashear and his family are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless him and all he did for AMERICA.
6
posted on
07/25/2006 3:20:07 PM PDT
by
JOE43270
(JOE43270, God Bless America and All Who Have and Will Defend Her.)
To: Borges
PRESENT ARMS
Thank you for your service Master Chief. Go to your rest, you have earned it.
To: Borges
That was a terrific movie and and by all accounts he was a terrific man.
8
posted on
07/25/2006 3:28:25 PM PDT
by
Peach
(Prayers for our dear friends in Israel.)
To: Borges
RIP BMCM Carl Brashear, USN
9
posted on
07/25/2006 3:33:39 PM PDT
by
ConorMacNessa
(HM/2 USN, 3rd Bn. 5th Marines, RVN 1969. - St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle!)
To: Borges
Men of Honor was an EXCELLENT film and tribute.
10
posted on
07/25/2006 3:34:56 PM PDT
by
cyborg
(No I don't miss the single life at all.)
To: Borges; Diver Dave; xzins; CMS; The Sailor; txradioguy; Jet Jaguar; Defender2; OneLoyalAmerican; ...
Master Diver of the United States Navy
Boatswains Mate Master Chief Carl Brashear
Rest In Peace Master Chief.
To: Borges

Click the Pic
12
posted on
07/25/2006 3:40:04 PM PDT
by
Fiddlstix
(Warning! This Is A Subliminal Tagline! Read it at your own risk!(Presented by TagLines R US))
To: Borges
I loved that movie. Rest in Peace, Master Chief.
To: proud_yank
RIP and following seas, Master Chief
14
posted on
07/25/2006 3:43:45 PM PDT
by
Robe
(Rome did not create a great empire by talking, they did it by killing all those who opposed them)
To: Borges; 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub
Boatswains Mate Master Chief Carl Brashear, one of America's finest.
God Bless him and his family.
15
posted on
07/25/2006 3:45:24 PM PDT
by
jazusamo
(DIANA IREY for Congress, PA 12th District: Retire murtha.)
To: 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub
We just saw this movie again the other evening - he was a true Man of Honor.
RIP Master Chief Brashear
To: Borges; proud_yank; Diver Dave; scubachick
Oh, I feel Like I know him from seeing the movie dozens of times.. but golly that pix looks like our good buddy Jessie J, doesn't it?
RIP, chief.. you were a testimony of strength, perseverance, focus... Thank you for the thread BOrges
17
posted on
07/25/2006 3:49:03 PM PDT
by
DollyCali
(Don't tell GOD how big your storm is -- Tell the storm how B-I-G your God is!)
To: Borges
He was a legend and he will be missed. This guy had a great grip.
RIP
18
posted on
07/25/2006 3:51:57 PM PDT
by
OriginalIntent
(Undo the ACLU's revison of the Constitution. If you agree with the ACLU revisions, you are a liberal)
To: Borges
Fair Winds and Following Seas Master Chief, Well Done!!
Condolences to Family and Friends.
19
posted on
07/25/2006 3:53:48 PM PDT
by
docman57
(Retired but still on Duty)
To: Borges
20
posted on
07/25/2006 3:53:53 PM PDT
by
Dumpster Baby
("Hope somebody finds me before the rats do .....")
To: 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub
RIP
Boatswains Mate Master Chief Carl Brashear
To: Borges
Is this the gentleman that Cuba Gooding Jr portrayed in "Men of Honor?"
To: Borges; All
To Phillip, his beloved son...
Your father was a great American, and I thank him for his service. I pray for you, and all of his family. We owe him more than we ever can comprehend.
Thank you, Phillip, for carrying on in service to us. Bear this loss with pride, and let us know if you need help. We are all praying for you and yours.
23
posted on
07/25/2006 3:55:56 PM PDT
by
jacquej
To: Extremely Extreme Extremist
As the article point outs. :-)
24
posted on
07/25/2006 3:55:57 PM PDT
by
Borges
To: Extremely Extreme Extremist
Nevermind. Duh, I need to read the article.
To: Borges
Carl Brashear was a man of integrity. He was well-loved and admired by the hospital staff, said NMCP Commander Rear Adm. Thomas Cullison. It was an honor to provide the care for this American hero. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family members.This is what I call a very well worded tribute.
26
posted on
07/25/2006 3:57:25 PM PDT
by
dennisw
(Confucius say man who go through turnstile sideways going to Bangkok)
To: Borges
His Marine Corps helicopter pilot son, Phillip, was home from Iraq on emergency leave and was at his fathers side. That's a nice thing to do.
27
posted on
07/25/2006 3:58:28 PM PDT
by
Ramius
(Buy blades for war fighters: freeper.the-hobbit-hole.net --> 1400 knives and counting!)
To: proud_yank
28
posted on
07/25/2006 3:59:46 PM PDT
by
Quix
(BIBLE says it's coming; prophecies indicate our era; Shrillery is eager; Global tyrannical gov looms)
To: Jemian
a famous "diver" has returned to his maker. Jemian
29
posted on
07/25/2006 4:00:13 PM PDT
by
DollyCali
(Don't tell GOD how big your storm is -- Tell the storm how B-I-G your God is!)
To: Extremely Extreme Extremist
Is this the gentleman that Cuba Gooding Jr portrayed in "Men of Honor?" Yep.

Carl Brashear and Cuba Gooding Jr.
30
posted on
07/25/2006 4:02:33 PM PDT
by
Drew68
To: Borges
His Marine Corps helicopter pilot son, Phillip, was home from Iraq on emergency leave and was at his fathers side.
Good to see his family follow in his footsteps - from all accounts he was a helluva good guy.
To: Drew68
Carl Brashear and Cuba Gooding Jr. Belay my last. That would be Master Chief Brashear and Cuba Gooding Jr.
32
posted on
07/25/2006 4:04:58 PM PDT
by
Drew68
To: Borges
RIP Boatswains Mate Master Chief Carl Brashear. You literally changed my sister's life. After an accident that left her right leg, below the knee useless, she saw the movie "Men of Honor." It was after watching that movie that she had the courage to have a below the knee amputation and try to reachieve the quality of life she had before the accident. Since then, she has competed in triatlon, dressage, cycling, she golfs, plays tennis and swims. Thank you for your service and for giving me back my sister. May God bless you and your family, Cookie.
33
posted on
07/25/2006 4:04:58 PM PDT
by
WV Mountain Mama
(God bless Israel and their men and women fighting against an evil, cowardly enemy.)
To: 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub; Borges

Rest in Peace,
Boatswains Mate Master Chief Carl Brashear
34
posted on
07/25/2006 4:15:03 PM PDT
by
Gucho
To: WV Mountain Mama
35
posted on
07/25/2006 4:15:45 PM PDT
by
cyborg
(No I don't miss the single life at all.)
To: Borges
A great man, a great patriot and his death is a great loss. RIP, Master Chief.
To: WV Mountain Mama
Now that's one heck of a great tribute to a true American Hero!
37
posted on
07/25/2006 4:20:11 PM PDT
by
ArrogantBustard
(Western Civilisation is aborting, buggering, and contracepting itself out of existence.)
To: Borges
Very special prayer ping!!!!!
38
posted on
07/25/2006 4:22:07 PM PDT
by
GregB
(This family supports The U. S Marines!!!!!!)
To: WV Mountain Mama
Kudos to your sister for overcoming her disability. Thanks for posting her story.
39
posted on
07/25/2006 4:23:25 PM PDT
by
Ciexyz
(Leaning on the everlasting arms.)
To: ArrogantBustard; cyborg
I remember the night she called me and told me to go rent it, she decided to amputate because of some movie called "Men of Honor." I didn't know what to think, but understood how she felt, especially after watching it. I still can't believe she was brave enough to do that. He definitely gave her the courage to try to get her life back, or at the very least fight for something better. I watch that movie and cry everytime I watch it. What an amazing man.
40
posted on
07/25/2006 4:27:48 PM PDT
by
WV Mountain Mama
(God bless Israel and their men and women fighting against an evil, cowardly enemy.)
To: DollyCali
but golly that pix looks like our good buddy Jessie J, doesn't it? Take a look at that pic again. Looks more like Jim Brown to me.
41
posted on
07/25/2006 4:34:06 PM PDT
by
bad company
(When Chuck Norris goes to bed at night, he checks his closet for FReeper kanawa)
To: Borges
May this great American and sailor Rest In Peace.
*Salute!*
42
posted on
07/25/2006 4:35:22 PM PDT
by
Gritty
(Americans love a winner - General George S. Patton)
To: Borges
Wonderful story. How could anyone not want to serve under this man? What a leader.
GOD bless and thanks for the class and the lessons on how to behave as humans.
43
posted on
07/25/2006 4:38:40 PM PDT
by
Joe Boucher
(an enemy of islam)
To: bad company
yes.. I like Jim Brown (as a cleveland browns fan).. and thought he was really great in teh movie Mars Attacks.
It looks like both..
44
posted on
07/25/2006 4:41:46 PM PDT
by
DollyCali
(Don't tell GOD how big your storm is -- Tell the storm how B-I-G your God is!)
To: Borges; gate2wire; StarCMC
Rest in peace, Master Chief, and thank you for your tremendous service to a grateful nation.
45
posted on
07/25/2006 4:42:10 PM PDT
by
Coop
(No, there are no @!%$&#*! polls on Irey vs. Murtha!)
To: bad company; pcottraux; rzeznikj at stout
Love your chuck Norris tag-line! Singles thread a few weeks ago was about CN witticisms
46
posted on
07/25/2006 4:46:54 PM PDT
by
DollyCali
(Don't tell GOD how big your storm is -- Tell the storm how B-I-G your God is!)
To: DollyCali
Mars Attacks????????? Dirty Dozen.
47
posted on
07/25/2006 4:47:46 PM PDT
by
bad company
(When Chuck Norris goes to bed at night, he checks his closet for FReeper kanawa)
To: Borges; 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub
48
posted on
07/25/2006 4:49:08 PM PDT
by
Kathy in Alaska
(~ God Bless and Protect Our Brave Protectors of Freedom~)
To: WV Mountain Mama
wow, what a testimony to your sister. I am an avid movie fan :& take a lot of "hits" for being so.. reading your comments on your sister, makes me proud of my interest in cinema!
thank you so much for taking the time to share her story. May she continue to excel in great things on this wonderful planet
49
posted on
07/25/2006 4:50:20 PM PDT
by
DollyCali
(Don't tell GOD how big your storm is -- Tell the storm how B-I-G your God is!)
To: bad company
Jim Brown played a "bouncer" at a casino in Las Vegas in teh movie Mars attacks
50
posted on
07/25/2006 4:51:29 PM PDT
by
DollyCali
(Don't tell GOD how big your storm is -- Tell the storm how B-I-G your God is!)
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