William Goines facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Goines
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Goines (second from right) in Cary, North Carolina, May 28, 2010
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| Born | 1936 Dayton, Ohio, U.S. |
| Died | (aged 87) Norfolk, Virginia, U.S. |
| Service/ |
 United States Navy |
| Rank | Master chief petty officer |
| Unit |  SEAL Team Two |
William Goines (1936 – June 10, 2024) was a brave United States Navy SEAL and a true pioneer. He was the very first African-American Navy SEAL. This means he was the first Black person to join this highly skilled and secretive group in the U.S. Navy.
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William Goines was an amazing person who broke barriers in the U.S. Navy. He joined a special forces team called the Navy SEALs. He became the first African-American to do so. His life story shows how determination and courage can help you achieve great things.
Early Life and Dreams
William Goines was born in Dayton, Ohio, in 1936. When he was a child, his family moved to Lockland, a town near Cincinnati. His father worked hard in car factories and a pool hall. At that time, many places had unfair rules about race. For example, public swimming pools were not open to everyone. William learned to swim in a nearby creek and the Little Miami River.
When William was in high school, he watched a movie called The Frogmen. This movie was about Navy divers who did dangerous underwater missions. It inspired him to join the Navy. He wanted to become a frogman, too!
Becoming a Frogman
After finishing high school, William joined the Navy in 1955. Back then, African-American recruits were often given jobs as stewards, which meant serving officers. But William had been told to aim higher. He was promised training for underwater demolition, which was very exciting.
He was sent to Malta, an island in the Mediterranean Sea. There, he began his tough frogman training. Many people started the training, but only a few finished. In 1957, William was one of only 13 people who completed the difficult course. This showed how strong and determined he was.
Joining the Elite SEAL Team Two
In 1962, President John F. Kennedy created the first two Navy SEAL teams. SEAL stands for Sea, Air, and Land. These teams are made up of highly trained special operations forces. William Goines was chosen to join SEAL Team Two, which was based on the East Coast. He was one of only 40 people selected, and the only African-American Navy SEAL at that time.
Serving His Country
William Goines was ready for action. During the Cuban Missile Crisis, a very tense time, he was chosen for a mission to Cuba. However, the mission was later called off.
Missions and Challenges
William served three tours in the Vietnam War with the SEAL teams. He went twice with his team and once led a Vietnamese unit. He was good at languages, speaking English, French, and Spanish. He even taught some of his Vietnamese interpreters Spanish so they could talk over the radio. During his service, he faced health challenges related to his time in combat.
A High-Flying Career and Retirement
After his time in Vietnam, William Goines joined the Chuting Stars in 1976. This was a special Navy Parachute Demonstration Team. For five years, he performed amazing parachute jumps, doing hundreds of free falls. During one jump, he landed awkwardly and injured his knees.
William Goines retired from the Navy in 1987. He had served for 32 years and reached the rank of Master Chief Petty Officer, which is a very high rank. He received many awards for his bravery and service, including the Bronze Star and the Meritorious Service Medal.
After leaving the Navy, he moved to Portsmouth, Virginia. He became the chief of police for the school system there, serving for 14 years. He also worked to encourage more people of color to join the Navy SEALs. In 2023, he received the Lone Sailor Award, which honors Navy veterans who have shown great character and leadership.
Legacy and Later Life
William Goines was married to Marie Davis. They did not have children. He passed away in Norfolk, Virginia, on June 10, 2024, at the age of 87. William Goines will always be remembered as a true hero and a trailblazer who opened doors for others in the U.S. Navy.
