The Trailblazing Journey of the First Black Navy SEAL
Navy Master Chief Bill Goines shattered barriers as the first African American to join the elite SEAL special operations force, serving with distinction for over three decades.
Against All Odds: Growing Up Black in a Segregated America
Born in 1936 in segregated Ohio, Goines was denied access to the “whites only” public pool in his hometown of Lockland.
This experience drove his determination to learn to swim on his own, a skill that would prove crucial in his future Naval career. Despite rampant discrimination, Goines persevered in pursuing his dreams.
Breaking Barriers: Becoming a SEAL and Secret Missions Abroad
Goines enlisted in the Navy in 1955 and worked his way up to become one of the first 40 SEALs selected by President Kennedy in 1962, the only Black man among them.
He soon found himself on covert operations amidst the Cold War, including missions in Cuba and Vietnam. For his service, Goines was awarded the Bronze Star, Navy Commendation Medal, and other honors.
Pushing Limits: 640 Jumps and Pioneering Parachuting
Beyond his secretive SEAL missions, Goines also became an early member of the Navy’s elite parachuting demonstration team the Chuting Stars.
He ultimately completed a stunning 640 jumps, even experimenting with cutting-edge high-altitude techniques. However, a bad domestic landing eventually caught up with Goines, smashing the cartilage in his knees.
A Lifetime of Service: Recruiting the Next Generation
After a remarkable 32-year Naval career, Master Chief Goines initially became a school system police chief before finding a new mission in retirement – recruiting minority youth to become Navy SEALs.
Despite his trailblazing achievements, few African Americans still join the elite force today.
