Chesty XIV is all grown up and headed into the retired life -- and you might now see the adored English bulldog skateboarding around the nation's capital.
After five years of service, the Marine Corps' mascot transferred his responsibilities to a younger model Friday night during a ceremony at Marine Barracks Washington. Col. Donald Tomich, the barracks' commanding officer, presided over the sergeant's retirement ceremony.
The bulldog's owner told NBC she planned to purchase a skateboard for the retired mascot, who finally gets to relax those strict Marine Corps standards in retired life.
"All the things I would not let him learn how to do because he might embarrass the Marine Corps, he's going to learn how to do them," Christine Billera told NBC News.
Related Content: A Very Serious Look at Chesty the Marine Corps Mascot
Chesty XIV grew into his responsibilities during his time at 8th and I. That included lots of nights on the parade deck in miniature dress blues or attending other events in the Washington, D.C. area in his service or utility uniforms.
"When he was young, he was feisty and energetic just like most Marines are when they come out of recruit training," Gunnery Sgt. Aaron Calderon, the drill master at 8th and I, told NBC Washington. "As he progressed and got a little bit older, he brought that wisdom, knowledge and experience."
The service's canine mascots are named for revered Marine Lt. Gen. Lewis Burwell "Chesty" Puller, who earned five Navy Crosses while serving nearly four decades in the Corps.
Pvt. Chesty XV, who arrived at the Barracks as a 10-week-old puppy in March, has completed his entry-level training, where he was even issued his own physical-training safety belt. The private will immediately begin representing the Marine Corps at ceremonial events in the nation's capital.
Not everyone was ready to see the service's 14th canine mascot go. Sgt. Chesty XIV will always be remembered at 8th and I, Calderon told NBC Washington.
Others thought the English bulldog might've been skirting his weight standards and dodging PT during his last days on active duty.
"Time to retire when you can't button that uniform," one Facebook user joked.
--Gina Harkins can be reached at gina.harkins@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @ginaaharkins.
