CGA - Change of Mascot

From June 1, 2011 - CGAPublicAffairs

NEW LONDON, Conn - Rear Adm. J. Scott Burhoe conducts the Coast Guard Academy Mascot change of command June 1, 2011, in the Chase Hall quad at the academy. The bear, named Objee, is the official mascot of the academy and appears at various athletic and social functions. At times during the academy's history, a live bear was housed on campus.

http://youtu.be/GzTYsuP8lJ4

The new mascot will surely represent the Coast Guard Academy well. I am sure that the old mascot performed his duty admirably. The new mascot looks to be in much better shape and should proudly represent the Coast Guard Academy for years to come.
GO BEARS.

runninbob said:

The new mascot will surely represent the Coast Guard Academy well. I am sure that the old mascot performed his duty admirably. The new mascot looks to be in much better shape and should proudly represent the Coast Guard Academy for years to come.
GO BEARS.

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Six-pack abs on a bear. Impressive!

Welcome new Objee! Old Objee, job well done.


I have seen the old Objee tackle Norwich cadets, I've seen him unicycle during drill practice, and I've seen him grow as a bear and a mascot. I have not doubt that the new Objee will do a great job, and I look forward to meeting him at my class's reunion this year....

GO BEARS

Can you give some stories about when the bear was really a bear? On campus?

Adm. Allen has talked about that.

Idzak said:

Can you give some stories about when the bear was really a bear? On campus?

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The Story of Objee

By 1926, the bear had been the Academy's mascot for sometime in honor of the Cutter Bear, which had served in the Arctic Zone for years.

However, it was during this year that a Cadet by the name of Steven Evans (who ironically would later become the Superintendent of the USCGA) returned from leave with a live bear cub. He somehow talked the Superintendent, Captain Hinckley, into allowing the bear to stay at the Academy. The bear was named Objee, which was short for "objectionable presence."

He had many homes throughout his tenure at the Academy, but the one he spent the most time in (and his last home) was the old Academy observatory next to Billard Hall. Although he did not sleep in Chase Hall, Objee was often brought into the barracks and turned loose. He showered in the cadet showers, and was even allowed to eat in the wardroom from time to time. Cadet Objee was particularly fond of visiting cadets during study hour.

Unfortunately, the Corps was stripped of its right to keep a live bear in 1984 due to the "objectionable presence" posed by the bear on the surrounding community and new animal quarantine laws.

The 'last live Objee' died at Widmark Farms in New York on Nov 21, 2007.


Statue of Objee behind Chase Hall/in front of Leamy Hall

How many different bears were there over the years? Did he crew?