Sir John Jeremy Black (17 November 1932 – 25 November 2015), also known as J. J. Black, was a senior Royal Navy officer. He commanded the aircraft carrier HMS Invincible (R05) during the Falklands War, and later served as Commander-in-Chief Naval Home Command from 1989 until his retirement in 1991.

Naval career

Jeremy Black was born in Tavistock, Devon on 17 November 1932. He was educated at the Royal Naval College, when it was at Eaton Hall, and saw service in a number of theatres including Korea and Borneo. He was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire in 1960 for his work in Borneo but his most famous appointment was as captain of the aircraft carrier HMS Invincible (R05) during the Falklands War in 1982. Black was an inspirational leader to his crew: this was reflected by the ship's company designing T-shirts with 'There and Back with JJ Black' emblazoned across the front. This slogan later gave Black the title ('There and Back') of his memoirs. In October 1982, Black was promoted to rear admiral and appointed Flag Officer First Flotilla. This was followed by a position in the Ministry of Defence as Assistant Chief of the Naval Staff in 1984 before being appointed Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff (Systems) in 1986. He became Commander-in-Chief Naval Home Command in 1989. He retired in 1991.

Later life and death

In retirement Black held the posts of Rear-Admiral and then Vice-Admiral of the United Kingdom. Black was chairman of the Royal Navy Club of 1765 & 1785 (United 1889). Black died after a long illness on 25 November 2015 at the age of 83.

Honours and awards