The pioneering Navy diver who inspired the movie "Men of Honor" was honored Thursday, September 18 with a ship bearing his name.
The Navy launched the dry cargo/ammunition ship USNS Carl Brashear in San Diego. Brashear was the first black U.S. Navy diver. He was portrayed in the 2000 movie by Cuba Gooding Jr. Actor Robert DeNiro, the director, producer and the writer of "Men of Honor" also attended the ceremony.
"I'm very honored and proud to be a part of it," he said. "It's amazing."
Brashear's relatives also attended. His granddaughter, Lauren Brashear said the event was overwhelming.
"It's something you can never describe in any type of words or anything," she said. "It's beautiful."
Carl Brashear's oldest son, Dwayne, shared with NBC 7/39 how he remembers his father.
"He was just a 'never say die' individual -- just a can-do spirit -- just a man who believed in doing a job to the best of his ability, no matter what it was. And he loved the Navy and he loved diving for the Navy," he said.
After losing a leg during a salvage operation, Carl Brashear also became the first Navy diver to be restored to full active duty as an amputee. He retired as a master chief after 31 years of service in 1979.
He died in 2006 at Portsmouth Naval Medical Center.
The ship Carl Brashear will deliver ammunition, food, fuel and other dry cargo to ships at sea.
