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Takoma the dolphin is Awol
timesonline (UK) ^
| 3/29/03
| Daniel McGrory
Posted on 03/29/2003 11:32:25 AM PST by Rebelbase
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 Takomas 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.
Takomas 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.
TOPICS: Extended News; Foreign Affairs
KEYWORDS: amphibdesgru; dolphins; mineclearing; mines; navy; navydolphin; seals; specialops; takoma; ua; workingdogs
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To: Rebelbase
I thought it was a Raider that went AWOL?
To: All
102
posted on
03/29/2003 2:18:21 PM PST
by
ewing
To: Rebelbase
Probably some iraqi barbarian killed it because it was helping the Americans.
103
posted on
03/29/2003 2:20:45 PM PST
by
ET(end tyranny)
(Heavenly Father, please embrace, and protect, our Pres., our troops and those of our true allies.)
104
posted on
03/29/2003 2:21:02 PM PST
by
ewing
To: Rebelbase
Seeing how it's on practically every other thread:
It's MOAB time.
105
posted on
03/29/2003 2:24:14 PM PST
by
Justa
106
posted on
03/29/2003 2:25:39 PM PST
by
ewing
107
posted on
03/29/2003 2:29:26 PM PST
by
ewing
To: ewing
So THAT'S where I left my cover!
108
posted on
03/29/2003 2:30:24 PM PST
by
RandallFlagg
("There are worse things than crucifixion...There are teeth.")
To: sweetliberty
Hope he is not being tortured by Saddam!...hehe
109
posted on
03/29/2003 2:31:58 PM PST
by
TheLion
To: RandallFlagg
At least the specialist can catch up on a bit of reading while Takomas gone..
110
posted on
03/29/2003 2:32:25 PM PST
by
ewing
111
posted on
03/29/2003 2:34:36 PM PST
by
ewing
112
posted on
03/29/2003 2:37:49 PM PST
by
ewing
113
posted on
03/29/2003 2:40:11 PM PST
by
ewing
To: Rebelbase
There is a little strange in the gulfWhat sailor can resist a siren?
114
posted on
03/29/2003 2:42:28 PM PST
by
bert
(Don't Panic !)
To: bert
Hey, I just found dog-tags in my can of tuna.
To: musicman
...gee...now that I think about it,Bud used that horn more than Tommy...Excuse me, but that would be Bud and Sandy. I should know, as I had a crush on both.
To: nickcarraway
Ping!
To: ewing
Hilarious pics! This is a great thread.
To: Rebelbase
Why would they go missing when they have the best food and daily spruce-ups and health checks?
I have lived with a sailor for many years and he has never said "go-missing" or "spruse-up". More like "f*#kin bolted" and I can't repeat what "srucing -up" would be. I am a lady.
To: b4its2late
Our bottle nosed buddy is in truth part of a SEAL operation. He's gone up river to deliver a package to Saddam's sewer line.
120
posted on
03/29/2003 3:18:27 PM PST
by
dersepp
(I Am A Militia Of One)
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