CAPTAIN SAGE
THE BEGINNING OF HISTORY
Captain Sage, the pioneering Expeditionary Facility Dog, has made history as the first dog to be stationed on a naval ship. Assigned to the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), Captain Sage returned home in January 2024 after completing a successful 8 month maiden deployment in the Mediterranean. Throughout her deployment, Captain Sage brought immeasurable comfort and support to the Sailors in the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, serving as a constant source of joy and companionship and helping to bridge the gap between Sailors and mental health resources during long and challenging missions. Her presence has not only enriched the lives of the crew but has also set a new standard for the inclusion of Facility Dogs in military settings, paving the way for future placements and demonstrating the vital role that dogs like Captain Sage play in maintaining mental health and well-being in demanding environments.
