It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Carl Maxie Brashear. He passed away on July 25, 2006 at the age of 75. Born on January 19, 1931, Carl was the son of Lou Ella and Dukes Brashear of Sonora, Kentucky. He served in the United States Navy for more than 30 years, enlisting at the age of 17. After his first service in the Korean War, Carl was promoted to Master Diver in 1970, becoming the first African American to reach this distinguished rank. Through his determination and perseverance, Carl endured racial discrimination, as well as a devastating injury, to continue to serve his country for many years to come. He worked various assignments undersea during his career, notably including cutting an antenna off of a sunken nuclear submarine and serving as a deep-sea salvage expert. He retired as a Master Chief Petty Officer in 1979. Carl was married to Hisako Ishimoto and they were married for 48 years until her death in 2002. He is survived by his son, Phillip; grandchildren Christina, Lauren, and Nathan; two great granddaughters; three brothers, and a host of other family members and friends. He will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved him.