From the February 19, 2013, Examiner by Bob O'Connor.
Between Oct. 1, 1863, and September 30, 1864, 23% of the Union Navy was black, compared to 10% for the Union Army. The highest percentages were in the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron and the Mississippi River Squadron.
The Union Army was completely segregated. Even the black regiments had white officers.
It is believed that over 17,000 black men and 11 black women served in the naval branch. More than 2,800 were from Virginia. About 35% of all blacks were from the area around the Chesapeake Bay. Some 11,000 had been former slaves, roughly 3 in every 4.
The supply ship USS Vermont reportedly had a 100% black crew.
Most black sailors, however, were to be found in the lowest rates including "boys" and "landsmen." About 8% were cooks or stewards.
Interesting Stats. --Old B-R'er
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