Mount Pleasant Magazine July/August 2019

www.MtPleasant.Pet | www.MPVets.Pet | www.facebook.com/MPpets G U I D E PETS 16 The USS Yorktown, located in Patriots Point Naval & Mar- itime Museum, Mount Pleasant, is proudly one of the most iconic images in the Charleston area. Each day, hundreds of people flock to this World War II-era aircraft carrier. Routine- ly, these visitors are imbued with a sense of reverence and awe as they explore this resting colossus on the Atlantic Ocean. There are many personnel to assist visitors on this expedition through history, with perhaps the most recognizable of these being the Yorktown’s own mascot “Scrappy Shrapnel” the canine sailor. Scrappy has become an endearing figure for many visitors and staff of the Yorktown. Scrappy has bridged generational gaps through meaningful interactions. “All ages really seem to love him! It always strikes me that Scrappy is so enjoyed by all ages, not just the kids,” stated Charity Pippin, histo- ry instructor aboard the Yorktown. “We get a lot of veterans on the ship, and they really seem to appreciate (Scrappy).” The affec- tion that Scrappy inspires is something that has always been a goal for the marketing team of the Yorktown. “Whenever they were developing the mascot in 2013, George Goldston — the first person to help create and don the outfit of Scrappy — said they trained with a former mascot of the year from 2008 (to develop) a distinct character for Scrappy with specific mannerisms. They really didn't want him to seem like just a person in a costume but more of a physical representation of the spirit of the Yorktown, something that could really be enjoyed and appreciated by all,” Pippin explained. This meticulous development of Scrappy extended beyond the usual marketing strategy of amassing sports fans or brand patrons, reaching toward something more profound — pay- ing homage and drawing attention to a time when Americans answered the summons to fight for freedom. One of the most direct ways in which Scrappy evokes images of this time period is his appearance, which includes a pilot suit that is based on the uniform of World War II-era sailors and pilots. Pippin stated, “This outfit is reminiscent of the real dog that the mascot was based off of.” Pippin contin- ued to provide an account of the conception of Scrappy, a dog that sailors smuggled onto the Yorktown in 1943: “… As they were docked in Pearl Harbor, the enlisted guys brought him on the ship thinking it would boost morale. …The sailors actually made a little pilot’s outfit for the dog, even going so far as to put Scrappy in the cockpit. …There are pictures of him sitting in the cockpit with his flight outfit on.” Scrappy also values his involvement with the community. “He’s always out there for the Fourth of July and any other days honoring our military. ... also present for birthday parties and anytime we have days set aside for history forums and tours … special events for the staff and crew on the Yorktown as well. We are almost always guaranteed to see him interact with the kids on field trips and occasional history forums that may be free to the community.” From his roots as a stray dog wander- ing the dock of Pearl Harbor in 1943 to his conception as a mascot, Scrappy has been a figure used to inspire and unite. This fun-loving dog serves as a manifestation of the spirit of the Yorktown and the men and women that sailed and flew on the carrier when the world was at war. Scrappy not only brings visitors to the Yorktown but also has the important role of prompting contemplation on the sacrifices made by our men and women in uniform. Though he may be a lovable puppy in a pilot suit, Scrappy is here to show people how significant and engaging history can be. U SCRAPPY SHRAPNEL By Mitchell D. Watford More Than Mascot Photo courtesy of Bill Macchio.