A declassified 1965 memorandum titled "Transfer of Funds to the Office of Naval Research for Project OXYGAS/A (Delphine)" reveals CIA efforts to construct a dedicated dolphin training facility at the U.S. Naval Base in Key West, Florida.
The document details the agency’s intent to fund the Navy directly to build secure infrastructure for the continuation of its marine mammal research under Project OXYGAS.
The facility would replace a less secure and inadequate site at Grassy Key, where simulated operational missions were already underway.
💸 Breakdown of the $81,000 Allocation
The document outlines precise funding purposes:
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$60,000 designated for basic construction, including piers and facilities
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$15,000 for animal maintenance and equipment, including refrigeration units for dolphin food
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The remaining funds account for contractor agreements and cost overruns
A low-bidding contractor was selected, but not solely for cost reasons. U.S. Navy officials at Key West had provided strong recommendations based on performance and familiarity with the operational context.
"The proposed budget is the most complete and economical plan developed to date."
🛠️ Why Key West?
Security, logistics, and proximity to naval infrastructure made Key West the ideal location.
The document emphasizes that the existing Grassy Key site was no longer sufficient, particularly for missions requiring secrecy and operational realism.
"The dolphin training program has reached a point where simulated operational missions require point security arrangements."
The CIA saw the project as quickly advancing toward readiness for real-world applications.
Facility construction was now essential to continue that development without delay or compromise.
🤝 Full Military Coordination
The memo records full concurrence from Navy command:
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Coordination with Admiral Christopher, Commander of the Key West Naval District
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Oversight by Dr. John Adkins, Assistant Chief Scientist at the Office of Naval Research
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Execution monitoring assigned to the CIA’s Logistics Office
No changes were requested in reporting or security protocols, and all stakeholders signed off on the plan.
This was not speculative research. It was a militarized animal training project, transitioning into its next operational phase-with CIA dollars and Navy support.
