This is K-Dog ( dolphin ), the coalition forces' most surprising weapon against Iraq

[MORTARDUDE]

http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/news/w...e=ReutersK-DOG the minehunter
By Harriet Arkell, Evening Standard
25 March 2003
This is K-Dog, the coalition forces' most surprising weapon against Iraq.


Look here too!

? Latest pictures from Iraq


With a camera strapped to his fin, the bottle-nose dolphin is one of about 100 dolphins and sea lions helping to clear shipping lanes in the Gulf to ensure a safe passage for vessels, including those which will provide humanitarian relief.

K-Dog and his handler Sgt Andrew Garrett are part of a multinational team, CTU-55.4.3, consisting of Naval Special Clearance Team One, Britain's Fleet Diving Unit Three, Australia's Clearance Dive Team, and two Explosive Ordnance Disposal units.

A Pentagon spokesman said: "The team works in both deep and shallow waters, looking for mines and marking them. Dolphins have been used like this by the US Navy for more than 30 years, and have proved themselves more reliable than robots."

He said that unlike robots, the dolphins did not run out of power, nor did they go missing or have problems communicating from the sea bed.

[Bernadette]

I had the pleasure when I first moved to San Diego to visit with these special dolphins at the Navy sub base. I meet a guy who worked in the Navy with these amazing animals - he trained them for all sorts of missions, bomb sniffing & camera operation just a few things the Navy has been able to utilize them for. They get trained just like one would train a dog, treats, treats & more treats. There is a large amount of these dolphins & sea lions stationed at the sub base. On a clear day you can hear them at feeding time. I also asked my friend where could he utilize his dolphin training skills once he is done with his service, he answered "SeaWorld" hehe I thought that was funny.

Ps we have put up a ton of new pictures in the gallery this one included click here

[dutchmil]

Takoma the dolphin is Awol

THE US Marines have suffered an embarrassment with reports last night that one of their most prized investigators may have defected.
Takoma, the Atlantic bottle-nosed dolphin, had been in Iraq for 48 hours when he went missing on his first operation to snoop out mines.

His handler, Petty Officer Taylor Whitaker, had proudly showed off Takoma?s skills and told how the 22-year-old dolphin was among the most pampered creatures in the American military.

Takoma and his fellow mine hunters have a special diet, regular medical checks and their own sleeping quarters, which is more than can be said for the vast majority of the military whose domestic arrangements are basic, to say the least.

The wayward Takoma set out on the first mission with his comrade, Makai, watched by the cameras as the pair of dolphins somersaulted over the inflatable dinghy carrying their handlers.

Takoma?s role was to sweep the way clear for the arrival of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, Sir Galahad. US officials had said that dolphins, first used in Vietnam, were a far better bet than all the technology on board the flotilla of ships.

Petty Officer Whitaker had tempted fate by saying: ?Why would they go missing when they have the best food and daily spruce-ups and health checks?? Two hours later Takoma had gone Awol. ?Twenty-four hours is not unusual,? a nervous Petty Officer Whitaker said. ?After all, he may meet some local company.?

Takoma has now been missing for 48 hours and the solitary figure of Petty Officer Whitaker could be seen yesterday patting the water, calling his name and offering his favourite fish, but there was no response.

[MORTARDUDE]

do you have a web link for this weird story ? Thanks.

Larry

[dutchmil]

Here it is
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article...627180,00.html