The Mascot of the Stary Oskol Kilo Class Submarine
According to the Russian Navy, she passed both the ship’s run-in and tests in St. Petersburg, Baltiysk, Polyarny, participated in the transition to the Black Sea Fleet, and deployed in Sevastopol with her crew.
Legend and Legacy of the Sea Cats
Legend has it that she gave birth to kittens at a depth of 200 meters in the Black Sea. Those sea kittens will no doubt find employment on other Russian Navy ships!
Cats on Russian Navy Ships
Indeed, Russian Navy ships are teaming with cats: Both the Navy and the sailors appreciate their company and the soothing effects they can have on stressed out or homesick crew members.
When they are not working as mouser/pest control, those cats get absolutely pampered by the people around them.
Global Naval Mascots: A Vanishing Tradition
It used to be the case for many navies across the globe but the practice has been abandoned by many countries in recent times. For context, the Royal Navy banned mascots on board its vessels in 1975.
-RBM.
