Sage is a Navy working dog aboard USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), helping sailors stay calm, focused, and stress-free during life at sea. You can see her taking a break on the flight deck as the carrier transits the Strait of Gibraltar, July 19, 2025.

A trained Labrador, Sage is fully equipped for shipboard life: protective paw gear, eye and ear shields, and a dedicated space aboard the ship keep her safe while she navigates flight decks, passageways, and work areas. She’s not a mascot, she’s a working member of the crew, part of a pilot program evaluating how facility dogs can support mental health, maintain focus, and strengthen resilience for sailors under pressure.

Assigned through the nonprofit Mutts with a Mission, Sage works alongside her handler, Navy Chaplain Genevieve Clark, who completed specialized training to manage her onboard. Her presence provides comfort, reduces stress, and helps sailors cope with the demanding conditions of life at sea.

From dawn to dusk, Sage is on duty, quietly making a difference, reminding everyone aboard that support can take many forms, and sometimes the most effective ally has four paws.