Fascinating Historic Photos Of Cats Serving In The US Sea Services

• 01

  Apprentices aboard the USS Pensacola pose with mascot cat and dogs in February 1888. The Pensacola was a screw steamer that participated in Admiral David Farragut's capture of New Orleans in 1862.

  
  via vintag.es
• Advertisement
• 02

  Crewmen on the deck of the USS Olympia using a mirror to play with their cats in 1898. The Olympia served as Admiral George Dewey's flagship at the Battle of Manila during the Spanish American War.

  
  via vintag.es
• 03

  The crew of the USS Nahant with their two cats, ca 1898. The Nahant participated in the attack on Charleston Harbor in 1863.

  
  via vintag.es
• 04

  Here is 'Bilgewater', the mascot of the Coast Guard Academy, circa 1944. He's modeling the new wartime grey cadet uniform.

  
  via vintag.es
• Advertisement
• 05
  
  via vintag.es

  Crewman of the USS Texas pose with mascot dog and cat on the muzzle of one of the ship's 12"/35 guns, ca 1900. Texas was the first U.S. battleship and gained a reputation for being jinxed because of a series of accidents. The crew probably hoped the cat and dog would change the ship's luck.

• 06

  Two cats pose in the breech of a 4" caliber naval gun of an unidentified ship prior to World War One.

  
  via vintag.es
• 07

  The cats of the USS Mississippi climb ladders to enter their hammock, 1925.

  
  via vintag.es

  The Mississippi was involved in several fierce battles in the Pacific during World War Two and was hit by kamikazes twice. It survived to be among the ships in Tokyo Bay that witnessed Japan's surrender.

• Advertisement
• 08

  French sailors play with a cat as they wait to take over six LSSLs (Landing Ship Support, Light) being given to France by the US Navy under the defense aid pact. Seattle, 1950.

  
  via vintag.es
• 09

  USS Flusser cat 'Wockle' on the capstan in Venice, Italy, 1924-25.

  
  via vintag.es
• 10

  Waiting instructions in the briefing room, pilots on a US Navy aircraft carrier relax by playing with the ship's mascot.

  
  via vintag.es
• Advertisement
• 11

  War Veteran - 'Pooli', who rates three service ribbons and four battle stars, served aboard an attack transport during World War II. Los Angeles, 1959.

  
  via vintag.es

Tags