Posted on 08/05/2007 5:24:34 PM PDT by Jet Jaguar
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AFPN) -- Fighting the war on rodent infestation, 95th Mission Support Group members here use a "military working cat" to help reduce the amount of damage to equipment caused by rodents living in the supply warehouse.
Wizzo calls the 95th Mission Support Group's supply warehouse his home, and the feline lives and works around the clock to help support the supply group's mission.
"Wizzo is our mobility rodent deterrent," said Heather Chapman, a 95th MSG warehouse specialist. "He was brought in for pest control and is earning his keep by doing his job."
The supply group first found a need for Wizzo when they noticed rodent droppings in and around some of the mobility bags, said Bill Martin, a contract manager for the base supply contract.
Mr. Martin said mobility bags that sit for an extended period of time can become prone to holes chewed in them from mice and rats. This renders the bags unserviceable, which costs the Air Force money and can create health issues from the droppings left behind.
Supply workers tried to correct the problem using various other methods before deciding to recruit the assistance of a cat. Nothing seemed to work until Wizzo arrived, Mr. Martin said.
"Poison doesn't work inside the warehouse," he said. "By eating the poison, the rodents just get sick and crawl behind walls and die."
"Maintaining Wizzo is low cost," said Jennifer Starr, a 95th MSG mobility lead supervisor. "Everyone in the supply warehouse contributes by donating supplies and food for him. It is really a team effort."
Wizzo meets the first person who comes through the door in the morning with his prey, Ms. Starr said. The cat drops it off at their feet as though he is offering them a gift or handing in an assignment.
So far, Wizzo has caught a bird, a rat and three mice, which officially makes him an ace. The supply team keeps his kill count posted on a board for him.
"It seems that whenever anyone starts to doubt his worth, he comes up with another mission completed," Ms. Starr said.
Put to work as the "weapons systems officer" for the warehouse, Wizzo is a little more than 1 year old and was adopted from a pet shelter in Lancaster, Calif.
During exercises and when there are a lot of people in and out of the supply warehouse, Wizzo is put in his cage.
However, after 4 p.m., Wizzo is left alone to hunt for his enemies, like a furry "Rambo" in a jungle of crates and supply bags.
Wizzo hunts for his next victim as he prowls through the labyrinth of crates, mobility bags and other equipment used to deploy at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. Wizzo, a rodent deterrent for the base supply warehouse, was adopted by supply group members in 2006 to help control the rodents in the warehouse, which cause damage to the bags and pose possible health risks. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Mike Young)
ping.
YAY for Wizzo! What a great name (and a great mission) for a great cat! (Thanks for the story... made me smile!)
Keep the “civilian leadership” off their backs, and the military will find a way to get the job done.
Bump for tabby Rodent Control Operative.
Two questions - what’s his enlisted grade, and when’s he up for promotion?
I find it interesting that in todays high tech military, the best solution, was the simplest. Good going WIZZO, don’t forget to check six.
Oh, I would pay good money to see that.
One year in service = about 3 years in cat life time.
SrA Whizzo. This article may rate a STEP promotion.
OHH HOW CUTEEE NICE KITTY CATTTT
Wow, that is really neat!
Thank you to ALL of our soldiers
Heh—a solution as old (and probably far older) than the Egyptians, and still the best solution.
Give this fine Airfeline an Attaboy Award.
i’m in the desert winnin yer wars
[cue Led Zeppelin-”The Immigrant Song”]
Good job Wizzo! =^..^=
I'm out. Good night.
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