Military Use of Dolphins: Log #5

Welch, Craig. “Smart And Fast, Marine Mammals Are Guarding Our Military Bases.” The Seattle Times, August 30 (2010). Web. 17 Oct. 2011. <http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/pacificnw/2012662209_pacificpdolphins29.html>.

Summary:

In the article “Smart And Fast, Marine Mammals Are Guarding Our Military Bases” by Craig Welch, the author explains how the United States Navy has trained 80 bottlenose dolphins and 30 California sea lions to patrol the San Diego Bay from al-Qaida or any other invader trying to infiltrate the Trident Submarine Base at Bangor.  However, the current issue is whether or not these military mammals are the proper way to end this underwater terrorism.  The U.S. Navy believes that these dolphins and sea lions are the answer to ending or at least preventing enemy violence in the ocean.  Dolphins are able to track objects through water by using their echolocation, which is much more advanced than even the militaries most sophisticated technology.  These mammals are also able to stay under water much longer than any human diver can, even if equipped with an air tank.  Nevertheless, there are those who think that the Navy is over-training these intelligent mammals to the point where they are suffering.  However, marine-mammal scientists assert that the Navy offers outstanding care with their animals to keep them as healthy and ready for combat as possible.  So what exactly is there to argue about?

Response:

In the 1960’s, dolphins were used for all sorts of military purposes.  Originally, they were testing the hydrodynamic properties of dolphin skin to determine if it was possible to develop more advanced torpedoes.  Since then, they have been used in various missions to deliver mail to underwater troops, patrol ally swimmers carrying explosives, detect bombs, mines, and terrorist divers, and much more.  According to Navy spokesman Tom LaPuzza, the attacks on ships resumed when the dolphins were removed from the program.  He also claims that there were no attacks recorded while the mammals were present and patrolling the area.  Is there a strong correlation between the dolphins guarding the area and less invasions taking place?  That is the question being highly debated amongst the Navy, and critics of their mammal methods.  The U.S. Navy’s intent is to save lives, be efficient, and protect our country from dangerous threats.  As far as we know, they have been rather successful at their job.  I believe we need to leave it to them to decide what is right for our country.  After all, our safety is mostly in their hands, with exception to some marine mammals.  Not ours.

Next Steps:

           In recent years, the Navy has decided to expand their underwater forces to some other useful marine mammals beside the trusty dolphin.  Sea lions and certain types of whales have provided help to the troops dealing with the constant terrorist bomb threats that take place in the ocean.  These mammals are the next step that the U.S. Navy is taking to install a secure system of underwater protection and surveillance.  Based on this source, I believe that the United States Navy is doing their best to provide an organized military group of mammals to defend our Navy’s ships and troops.  Keeping a record of the missions and operations completed will show critics that the method in use is the most efficient and successful.  Providing regular documentation on each mammal’s health will show that professional veterinarians take intensive care with each animal’s life.