Their official designation sounds cool too. Dig this: Cetacean Soldiers. It’s a real awful B-movie in the making. (Quick, someone get in touch with James Cameron.) But before visions of Command and Conquer: Red Alert flood the reader’s mind, the dolphins currently being trained by the U.S. Navy are for executing non-lethal tasks like finding land mines.
Though orcas did have a stint in the U.S. Navy decades ago, the current incarnation of the animal training program involves dolphins in a task of staggering complexity, which is marking underwater mines, which remain some of the deadliest weapons ever deployed beneath the waves.
The Role of Dolphins in Naval Operations
Dolphins possess extraordinary biological sonar capabilities, known as echolocation, which make them uniquely suited for underwater detection tasks. Their ability to navigate and locate objects in murky waters far surpasses current human-made technology. This makes them invaluable in identifying and marking underwater mines, ensuring the safety of naval vessels and personnel. The dolphins are trained to locate these mines and then mark them with a buoy, allowing human divers to safely disarm or remove the mines.
The use of dolphins in such operations is not a new concept. The U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program, which began in the 1960s, has been utilizing the natural abilities of marine mammals for various underwater tasks. Over the years, the program has evolved, incorporating advanced training techniques and ensuring the well-being of the animals involved.
Ethical Considerations and Animal Welfare
Also, according to a confidential source interviewed about this extensive underwater mammalian program, the dolphins are treated well by any standard:
The Navy is responsible for meeting all requirements of these laws regarding acquisition, care and treatment of its marine mammals, and not only meets but exceeds them and leads the industry in many cases. Congress has provided the Navy with exemptions to a few specific requirements in support of national security, but none related to the care and well-being of the animals.
The ethical treatment of these intelligent creatures is paramount. The Navy ensures that the dolphins receive top-notch care, including regular health check-ups, a balanced diet, and ample social interaction with other dolphins. The training methods used are based on positive reinforcement, ensuring that the dolphins are motivated and engaged without experiencing stress or harm.
In addition to their role in mine detection, dolphins have been trained for other non-lethal tasks such as locating and retrieving objects from the ocean floor, and even assisting in the rescue of lost divers. Their versatility and intelligence make them an asset in various underwater missions.
Now for a helpful video about how the Soviets tried to do the same:
Source
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
