Like their human comrades, the animals of the U.S. Coast Guard have always been prepared to save lives and defend America's shores.
The Nazi-Fighting Dog.
A mixed-breed mutt named Sinbad was adopted by the crew of the USCGC Campbell during World War II and quickly became the ship's mascot. He faced combat with German and Japanese forces and was honored for his service when the war ended.
Via: uscg.mil
The Pig From 'Nam.
During the Vietnam War, a squadron from the USCGC Point Glover saved a local boy's life and, as a thank you gift, were presented with a Vietnamese black pot-bellied pig by the boy's family. Since they couldn't honorably refuse the gift, the men of Squadron One Division 11 decided to keep the animal-- a female piglet that they named Samantha. The men grew so attached to the pig that they refused to leave her behind, going so far as to sneak her onto the Point Glover and hide during official inspections.
Via: uscg.mil
The Rescue Swimmer.
A yellow lab named CBuoy is the mascot of the USCG Station Destin in western Florida. "Buoy," as he is known by his fellow Coasties, stays in shape by playing fetch with rescue training floats.
Via: uscg.mil
The Student Bear.
In 1927, a U.S. Coast Guard Academy cadet decided to come back from summer vacation with a live black bear cub. The entire corps fell in love with the bear, whom the cadets named "Objee" (short for "The Objectionable Presence"). The admiral in charge of the academy appointed the bear the school's official mascot, and for the next 50 years, there was always an Objee living in the barracks with cadets.
