The first-class aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford, launched on May 2 with a crew of a very talented girl, a therapy dog named Sage.
according to US Fleet Command On Facebook, Sage, a 3-year-old Labrador Retriever, helps seafarers on board cope with the operational stresses of deployment.
The deployment of Sage is part of a pilot program called the Expanded Operational Stress Control Canine Pilot Program.
What’s more, she’s trained for the job and is currently part of Gerald R. Ford’s Combat Toughness, Mental Health and Resilience team.
Virginia-based nonprofit Mutts with a Mission trained the Sage for the job and loaned it to the crew for deployment of the ship.
The U.S. Fleet Command explained: “Animals are another form of stress relief and have been proven to provide a sense of companionship.”
Reverend Genevieve Clarke, Gerald R. Ford, and Reverend of Carrier Strike Group 12 serve as Sage’s primary handlers.And in preparation for this new role, Clark 120 hours of training with Mutts on a mission.
During deployment, Good Girl’s daily schedule is open to all sailors, who can spend time with Sage for public visits and morale boosts.
“One of the benefits of having Sage on board is that she breaks down several barriers to tapping into mental, emotional, and spiritual resilience resources.” Clark explains.
Ford’s captain, Captain Rick Burgess, said sailors on board were thrilled to have Sage on board. He also thanked Matz for his mission: “Mutts with a Mission provides seafarers with a valuable service and helps reduce stress during ship deployment.”
Additionally, to help Sage adjust to life at sea, Mats on a mission provided her with all the supplies she needed.
According to the U.S. Fleet Command, these include waste collection mats, appropriate bedding in the pilot’s cabin, personal protective equipment including foot, hearing and eye protection, and life jackets.
of navy times The Navy reports that it will evaluate the effectiveness of the program and determine whether future carriers should deploy their own therapy dogs.
“The evaluation takes into account the number of interactions between the sailor and the Sage, whether she increases their morale and willingness to seek help, and how well the Sage adapts to life at sea.” The Navy Times wrote.