Posted on 03/30/2003 11:03:45 AM PST by Sabertooth
From the capabilities demonstrated in the Advanced Marine Biological Systems program, four operational Fleet Marine Mammal Systems (MMS) have been developed to fulfill Navy requirements where hardware is inadequate or safety is an issue. Dolphins are used in MMS because of their exceptional biological sonar that is unmatched by hardware sonars in detecting objects in the water column and on the ocean bottom. Sea lions are used because of their very sensitive underwater directional hearing and low light level vision. Both of these marine mammal species are trainable for tasks and are capable of repetitive deep diving. Fleet MMS are assigned to Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Units (EODMU). Each system has from 4 to 8 marine mammals, an Officer-in-Charge, and several enlisted personnel. All MMS are rapidly transported by aircraft, helicopter and land vehicles with all equipment to sustain an operational deployment. These systems regularly participate in major Fleet exercises. The Mk 6 & 7 MMS were used to support waterside security at the 1996 Republican Convention in San Diego, CA. SPAWAR supports these Fleet systems with replenishment marine mammals, hardware, training, personnel and documentation.
Mk 4 is a dolphin mine searching system that detects and marks locations of mines moored off the ocean bottom. It is capable of shipboard forward deployment to support post-amphibious operations. (EODMU THREE, Coronado, CA)
Mk 5 is a sea lion exercise mine recovery system that locates pingered training mines. The sea lions can locate these mines to depths of 1000 feet and attach a grabber device for recovery. (EODMU THREE, Coronado, CA and EODMU SIX, Charleston, SC)
Mk 6 is a dolphin swimmer and diver detection system that can detect and mark the location of an intruder. This system was used in Vietnam in 1970-71 and the Persian Gulf in 1987-88. (EODMU THREE, Coronado, CA)
Mk 7 is a dolphin mine searching system that detects and marks the location of mines on the ocean bottom. This system is also capable of shipboard forward deployment to support post-amphibious assaults. (EODMU THREE, Coronado, CA)
Now, did they tell me to 'get bombs' or 'get bombed'?
Oh, I don't think there's any doubt that they can be steered, they do that at marine parks.
About 20 years ago I worked at Sea World in San Diego, and had a chance to play around with a lot of the cetaceans. I wasn't a trainer, but I've had direct experience with bottlenose, Pacific whiteside, pilot whales, beluga, and killer whales. They're very doglke, but there is more happening upstairs than there is with canines. Cetaceans have an advanced play instinct, a much greater capacity for calculated mischief, and also for the spontaneous creation of games with basic rules. I'm not at all surprised that there is an element of unpredictability with the Navy's dolphins.
LOL--that describes the average spouse!
Yeh, without this quote the story would certainly lack authenticity. This and smear is is what passed for journalism today.
I wonder if there are any girl dolphins in the area, or perhaps he just wanted to check out the new neighborhood. I hope they don't court marshall him.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.