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Ep. 7 Of Mutts and Men

On this episode, Gordon Calhoun, a Curator at the National Museum of the U.S. Navy, and Thomas Frezza, a Public Affairs Specialist with NHHC, discuss the animals who have served throughout U.S. Naval History. Whether they were being used as a source of nourishment for Sailors out on long journeys, as mascots for various ships, commands and institutions, or as beloved pets and crewmates, animals have always played a crucial role in the Navy. Learn about Admiral George Dewey's dog "Bob," various mascots like that of USS Connecticut (Battleship # 18), the rooster of various USS Saratoga ships, and the U.S. Naval Academy's goat. Animals continue to serve in the Navy to this day, protecting harbors, recovering objects, and helping support Sailors with the stresses of military life at sea with dogs like "Sage," "Ike," and "Captain Demo".

Show References:

Books

·          Autobiography of Geord Dewey: Admiral of the Navy. 1913

          -  Admiral Dewey with his dog, "Bob," pg .225

·         The Great American-Spanish War Scenes. 1898

          -  Ship's Company on the Cruiser Baltimore (Cruiser No. 3) with mascots, pg. 169

          -  Officers of dispatch boat Dolphin (PG 24) with monkey mascot, pg. 176

·         The American Battleship and Life in the Navy. 1908

         -  Sailors with goat, rooster, and dog mascot, pg. 219

         -  Sailor asleep with bear, pg. 287

Digital Resources

·        General Order 28: Animals on Public Vessels, Nov. 1838

·        Kids Activity: Navy Tails

·        Photography: Collection of Imagery of Sailors with Various Animals

·        Photography: Eli, the Dancing Goat, Mascot of Pelham Bay Naval Training Station

·        Photography: The Navy Goat Mascot. Army and Navy Baseball Game, May 19, 1918.

·        Story: Mutts with a Mission Deploys with USS Gerald R. Ford 

·        Story: Goats, Mules, and Football Games

·        Story: Wags of Wellness: Dogs Enlist in Navy Effort to Improve Sailor's Mental Health

·        Website: NHHC Website Search for "Animals" 

Published: Mon Sep 09 14:19:44 EDT 2024