Goat Mascot from Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron Training Center
Title: Motor Torpedo Boat Squadrons Training Center (MTBSTC) Stuffed Goat
Accession #: NHHC 2019.013.056
Circa: 1940s
Size: 9.5 x 3 x 10"
Medium: Fabric, Metal
Location: Headquarters Artifact Collection, Naval History and Heritage Command
This stuffed goat is a souvenir from the U.S. Navy Motor Torpedo Boat Squadrons Training Center (MTBSTC). The Motor Torpedo Boat Squadrons Training Center in Melville, Rhode Island, instructed naval personnel in the operation of patrol torpedo (PT) boats. Although only open for a few years, nearly 14,000 PT boat officers and enlisted men trained at the facility before its closure after the end of WWII.
Goats have a long history with the US Navy, from providing fresh milk and meat in the early days of sailing to companionship in more modern times. The goat was adopted as the Navy mascot after Midshipmen attributed the Naval Academy’s win during the 1893 Army-Navy football game to the presence of the USS New York’s goat mascot, El Cid. From that point on, goats have become an iconic symbol of the US Navy.
This MTBSTC stuffed goat is made with a blue felt body, gold felt ears, tail, and mane, and two metal button eyes. The Patrol Boat "mosquito" logo and gold painted text on left and right side reads "M.T.B.S.T.C. / U.S. NAVY."
