Sinbad the Dog
Sinbad started his life at sea when a crewman of the USCGC Campbell adopted him in 1937 as a present for his girlfriend. However, his girlfriend was unable to take the dog and neither were any of the man’s crew mates. Even though no one could take the dog, they did not want him to leave the ship or end up on the streets as a stray. So they decided that they would find a way for the dog to remain on board without needing a master. Sinbad was enlisted as a member of the U.S. Coast Guard with his paw print used as a signature on his enlistment papers. He was said to have all the characteristics of a sailor due to his love of coffee and whiskey, the fact that he had regular and general quarters at duty stations and that he demonstrated true seamanship while on board.
The dog was then given his own service and red cross numbers, a service record and a bunk. He was an average sailor getting a few disciplinary notes and promotions throughout his 11 years on the Campbell. Sinbad was always given duties below decks whenever the ship faced combat but he also stayed on board during some tenuous times for the ship, when even most of her crew were left behind. So it became the common perception that the Campbell would never sink as long as Sinbad was on board.
Sinbad received numerous service ribbons that were attached to his collar and whenever the Sinbad would come to port, he was used as a public relations mascot. However, the dog was not always as cooperative as he was expected to be and became the subject of a few “diplomatic incidents.” On September 21st, 1948 Sinbad was honorably discharged from the Coast Guard and lived three more years ashore at Barnegat Light Station in New Jersey.