Scrumpy the Jackapoo becomes a real sea dog by joining crew of HMS Queen Elizabeth
He may not be the best at barking orders, but Scrumpy the dog has become the newest member of HMS Queen Elizabeth's command team.
The Jackapoo crossbreed has joined the company on board the aircraft carrier.
In a post on social media, the ship said the dog's duties include helping the commanding officer conduct rounds where he sniffs out any treats that are left lying around.
Pets, especially cats, were a common presence in many Royal Navy ships in the past and were often brought on board to catch rodents to prevent them chewing on wires and eating or spoiling food.
Animals were banned in 1975 on health and safety grounds, but some exceptions are made for service dogs, guide dogs and assistance animals.
One of the most famous ship's cats was Blackie, who was on board HMS Prince of Wales during the Second World War.
He was on board the ship as she carried Prime Minister Winston Churchill across the Atlantic to meet US President Franklin D Roosevelt in 1941.
The cat also survived the sinking of the ship by the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service later in the year and was taken to Singapore with other surviving members of the crew.
Dogs also play an important part in the Armed Forces and are present in both frontline and ceremonial roles.
Animals in the 1st Military Working Dog Regiment served in Afghanistan, helping to find IEDs, while the RAF trains dogs to carry out searches of bases and airfields as well as carry out defence and policing duties.
Both the Irish Guards and the Royal Irish Regiment have dogs as their official mascots that represent their regiments at ceremonial events.
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