{"id":45704,"date":"2024-03-12T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-03-12T09:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/navytimes\/uncategorized\/2024\/03\/12\/doggone-deployment-navy-carriers-em-bark-with-mental-health-pups\/"},"modified":"2026-08-08T19:50:31","modified_gmt":"2026-08-08T19:50:31","slug":"doggone-deployment-navy-carriers-em-bark-with-mental-health-pups","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/navytimes\/news\/your-navy\/2024\/03\/12\/doggone-deployment-navy-carriers-em-bark-with-mental-health-pups\/","title":{"rendered":"Doggone deployment: Navy carriers em-\u2018bark\u2019 mental health pups"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Editor\u2019s note: This story has been updated.<\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford departed Naval Station Norfolk<\/a> in May for its first combat deployment, the 23 new technologies installed on the warship weren\u2019t the only novelty aboard the ship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The voyage also marked the very first time an aircraft carrier deployed with a trained dog as part of a new pilot program the Navy is testing to improve morale and lessen the stigma sailors might feel about seeking mental healthcare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meet Sage, a yellow lab and very good girl who works with the Ford\u2019s mental health and resiliency team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Sage, aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford\u2019s facility dog, visits the guided missile cruiser Normandy on June 20, 2023. (MC2 Malachi Lakey\/U.S. Navy)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Formally known as the Navy\u2019s Expanded Operational Stress Control Canine pilot program, Sage\u2019s job is to help sailors cope and adjust to the mental and emotional stressors they face while underway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Along the way, leaders hope a friendly pooch will attract crew members to events where they can learn more about available mental health options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While the Navy says post-deployment analysis remains ongoing regarding Sage\u2019s effect on the Ford\u2019s crew, officials believe having her around bolstered unit cohesion and encouraged sailors to attend more events where she was present.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCome for the dog, stay for the talk,\u201d is how some Ford leaders put it, according to Naval Air Force Atlantic spokeswoman Lt. Cmdr. Dawn Stankus said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ford likely made a quality test bed, given that the green crew was on a maiden deployment that got extended several times following the Oct. 7 attack on Israel by the Palestinian militant group Hamas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Machinist\u2019s Mate 2nd Class Christian Bryner, assigned to the guided missile cruiser Normandy, spends time with Sage, aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford\u2019s facility dog, as the dog and her handlers visit Normandy on June 20, 2023. (MC2 Malachi Lakey\/U.S. Navy)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Despite the additional time at sea, the crew weathered the lengthy deployment well \u2013 thanks in part to Sage, her handlers and the onboard mental health providers, according to the Ford\u2019s commanding officer, Capt. Rick Burgess.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThat whole team came together and we had a very resilient crew,\u201d Burgess told Navy Times aboard the Ford in an exclusive interview<\/a> in February. \u201cFar more resilient than I think folks in the cheap seats will give them credit for.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another service dog, Demo, is currently deployed aboard the carrier Dwight D. Eisenhower in the Middle East, and another one, Ike, is expected to deploy with the amphibious assault ship Wasp later this year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Captain\u2019ing makes you hungry. pic.twitter.com\/Dsbu4VE9WY<\/a><\/p>— Farva Price (@FarvaPrice) December 24, 2023<\/a><\/blockquote>