The MK XI Marine Mammal System uses marine mammals for mine tagging. They have their home pen but most of their training and work is done in the open ocean.
So unlike aquatic zoos they do not stay within their enclosure and experience the "Great Outdoors" while they are somewhat dependent on the support team. There is also the Mk. VI team which is focused on port security and anti hostile frogmen.
The animals are transported to their work area in surface craft on a mat that folds into a triangular tent on top of a small craft.
The animals are well protected and are not exposed to higher risks than the EOD humans that follow up on the tagged mines. I am told that it is not a pleasant encounter for an enemy frogman with an Mk VI trained dolphin.
They were instrumental in securing the port for the supply line in the initial stages of the Iraq war.
Album by Heinz Steiner. Photos by Heinz Steiner. 1 - 22 of 22 Total.
