SAN DIEGO — MCRD had a changing of the guards on Friday morning after one of the base’s finest members walked into retirement. The mascot, Smedley Butler is retiring after five years of service. Smedley retired and relinquished his command to Johnny R. Manuelito aka “Manny” the English Bulldog in a ceremony on Friday.
Manny will assume his official duties as mascot of the Depot during the Moto Runs, Family Days, graduation ceremonies, VIP tours, visits, and various area recruiting events throughout the year.
Manny is named in honor of Sgt. Johnny R. Manuelito Sr. who was one of the ‘original 29’ Navajo Code Talkers who trained in the first All Navajo Platoon on the Depot in 1942.
The bulldog completed recruit training with Mike Company and has completed his strength test and his first sessions of Marine Corps martial arts training. Smedley will enjoy retirement in Massachusetts with his handler, Sgt. Anthony Leite.
RELATED: Meet Manny: The new MCRD Mascot