“You gotta have a gimmick.”
Ethel Merman (1908-1984)
Ethel Merman, star of the then-popular stage hit “Girl Crazy,” presents a young goat to the crew of the USS Pensacola (CA-24) as a mascot. Accepting the kid is Captain Alfred G. Howe, left, the first commanding officer of the ship. The photo most likely was taken during the commissioning ceremonies on 6 February 1930 or shortly afterward.
Note: This and other photographs and artwork are available as prints through the Naval Institute Photo Archive. You may place orders or leave messages 24 hours a day at 1-800-233-8764, contact [email protected], or visit our website, www.usni.org.