Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 8/28/2009

Question
Colonel Howard,

 My name is Sandra Jabas and I was in the Navy from 2004-2008 working in the Signals Intellegence field.  I have been interested in the Navy Marine Mammal Program for quite some time but it has proven to be a challenge just to get information on the program.  I have been involved with Veterinary work as well as Aquarium work for the last few years.  My ultimate goal is to work with the NMMP and to be a member of their team. My motivation to join the Navy back in 2004 was to serve as a Navy Diver in hopes of being assigned to the Marine Mammal Program. However at that time there were no seats available for females in that field. Having worked in Signals Intel I relize that such programs are "hush hush."  Sir, do you know how either civilians or naval personnel are generally assigned to the program?  What measures do I have to take, as a civilian, to pursue this challenging goal Ive had all these years?  Do you have any advice for me?  

Very Respectfully,
Sandra Jabas (former Petty Officer Second Class)

Answer
Sandra,
You asked the right guy.  A Navy friend of mine used to run the program and even used to let my daughter swim with his dolphins and sea lions on weekends.  I'm answering your questions based upon information he's giving me.  He said the program in not classified, but it is not widely publicized because of some trouble they had with animal rights activists a few years ago.

The dolphins and sea lions are trained by five teams of the Navy’s Marine Mammal fleet members.  One team specializes in swimmer detection, three teams for mine location, and another team for object recoveries.  The mammals are trained to detect underwater mines and enemy swimmers and then report back to their handlers.

Pacific mammals are kept in the Pacific Ocean and Atlantic mammals are kept in the Atlantic Ocean because it is slightly saltier than the Pacific Ocean.  There are a few mammals trained at a facility on the Atlantic coast, but I didn't ask where because most training is done in San Diego.

The Marine Mammal Program offers two types of internships at the Navy marine mammal facility in San Diego:  1.  Animal Care And Training and 2.  Veterinary Medicine. Interested people are chosen from all over the country to participate in these voluntary internships.

In the Animal Care and Training Internship Program, students support the NMMP Staff while getting experience in marine mammal care and training. The internship program is designed to give hands-on experience with marine mammals.  This is a volunteer program and people must commit to 40 hours per week for 16 weeks.

The Veterinary Medical Externship is designed for veterinary students, preferably just before they graduate from an accredited veterinary college. It's a 4-6 week externship.

The internships are voluntary, and students are responsible for their own transportation and housing arrangements.  Students must be U.S. citizens in U.S.-accredited schools within the U.S.

If you're interested in the Animal Care and Training internship you must send a resume, letter of intent including career goals and reasons for wanting the internship, an unofficial or official copy of your transcripts and proof of prior military service (if any), proof of medical insurance, proof of U.S. citizenship, and a minimum of 3 letters of recommendation from professors or employers.  You should send it to:

Attn: Coordinator of Volunteer Opportunities
Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific, Code 71510
53560 Hull Street
San Diego, CA 92152,

If you have any further questions, he suggested you contact them directly at the SSC Pacific Public Affairs Office (619) 553-2717. or email to nmmp_intern@spawar.navy.mil.