Lamprey (G.I. Joe)
Encyclopedia
Lamprey is the name of a set of characters from G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero
, a line of military-themed toys. Generally speaking, they are Cobra soldiers specialized in underwater
and sea
environments. The first version was released in 1985 included with the Moray Hydrofoil, but later versions have amplified his role further than the role of boat
driver.
The training
is highly selective and more than 50% of the applicants quit before completing the course. According to one of their filecards "Their training program takes place in warm, shark and pirate infested waters of tropical islands, and the dark, frigid depths of the Arctic Circle."
with strap and handle. This version only appeared once in the 80s cartoon series. Ironically, their first appearance in the Marvel comic series predates that of the EELs (the unit from which the Lampreys graduated).
's filecard, their mission is to protect Cobra's coasts and underwater outposts. It included a black laser
weapon gun, submachine gun
, bayonet
rifle
, and sniper
's rifle.
.) Lampreys operate it for underwater demolition missions and coastal attacks. Again, its body used the same mold as the first versions, only with a different color design (slightly similar to the first version.)
and a dark green bayonet
rifle
. The mold was the same, only with a gold and black color design.
G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero
G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero is a military-themed line of action figures and toys in Hasbro's G.I. Joe franchise. The toyline lasted from 1982 to 1994, producing well over 500 figures and 250 vehicles and playsets. The line reappeared in 1997 and has continued in one form or another to the...
, a line of military-themed toys. Generally speaking, they are Cobra soldiers specialized in underwater
Underwater
Underwater is a term describing the realm below the surface of water where the water exists in a natural feature such as an ocean, sea, lake, pond, or river. Three quarters of the planet Earth is covered by water...
and sea
Sea
A sea generally refers to a large body of salt water, but the term is used in other contexts as well. Most commonly, it means a large expanse of saline water connected with an ocean, and is commonly used as a synonym for ocean...
environments. The first version was released in 1985 included with the Moray Hydrofoil, but later versions have amplified his role further than the role of boat
Boat
A boat is a watercraft of any size designed to float or plane, to provide passage across water. Usually this water will be inland or in protected coastal areas. However, boats such as the whaleboat were designed to be operated from a ship in an offshore environment. In naval terms, a boat is a...
driver.
General information
The Cobra Lampreys are Cobra's amphibious assault troopers, responsible for operation of Cobra naval vehicles, patrol around naval bases and attack. They are culled from the Eel units and are considered elite among Cobra naval troopers, with only the Moray considered higher. To qualify for Lamprey training, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:- Be a Cobra trooper in top physical condition
- To have completed his EEL training (EEL's are Cobra frogmen and underwater specialists)
- To have been operational as an EEL for more than a year.
The training
Training
The term training refers to the acquisition of knowledge, skills, and competencies as a result of the teaching of vocational or practical skills and knowledge that relate to specific useful competencies. It forms the core of apprenticeships and provides the backbone of content at institutes of...
is highly selective and more than 50% of the applicants quit before completing the course. According to one of their filecards "Their training program takes place in warm, shark and pirate infested waters of tropical islands, and the dark, frigid depths of the Arctic Circle."
First version (1985)
The first version of the Lampreys was included with the Moray Hydrofoil (a Cobra high-performance speed boat.) It included a silver submachine gunSubmachine gun
A submachine gun is an automatic carbine, designed to fire pistol cartridges. It combines the automatic fire of a machine gun with the cartridge of a pistol. The submachine gun was invented during World War I , but the apex of its use was during World War II when millions of the weapon type were...
with strap and handle. This version only appeared once in the 80s cartoon series. Ironically, their first appearance in the Marvel comic series predates that of the EELs (the unit from which the Lampreys graduated).
Second version (1990)
The second version of Lampreys was part of the Sonic Fighters series. Its body used the same mold as 1st Version Lampreys, only with a different color design (red, orange and blue.) According to HasbroHasbro
Hasbro is a multinational toy and boardgame company from the United States of America. It is one of the largest toy makers in the world. The corporate headquarters is located in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, United States...
's filecard, their mission is to protect Cobra's coasts and underwater outposts. It included a black laser
Laser
A laser is a device that emits light through a process of optical amplification based on the stimulated emission of photons. The term "laser" originated as an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation...
weapon gun, submachine gun
Submachine gun
A submachine gun is an automatic carbine, designed to fire pistol cartridges. It combines the automatic fire of a machine gun with the cartridge of a pistol. The submachine gun was invented during World War I , but the apex of its use was during World War II when millions of the weapon type were...
, bayonet
Bayonet
A bayonet is a knife, dagger, sword, or spike-shaped weapon designed to fit in, on, over or underneath the muzzle of a rifle, musket or similar weapon, effectively turning the gun into a spear...
rifle
Rifle
A rifle is a firearm designed to be fired from the shoulder, with a barrel that has a helical groove or pattern of grooves cut into the barrel walls. The raised areas of the rifling are called "lands," which make contact with the projectile , imparting spin around an axis corresponding to the...
, and sniper
Sniper
A sniper is a marksman who shoots targets from concealed positions or distances exceeding the capabilities of regular personnel. Snipers typically have specialized training and distinct high-precision rifles....
's rifle.
Third version (2000)
The third version of Lampreys was included with the Man-O-War (a Cobra submarineSubmarine
A submarine is a watercraft capable of independent operation below the surface of the water. It differs from a submersible, which has more limited underwater capability...
.) Lampreys operate it for underwater demolition missions and coastal attacks. Again, its body used the same mold as the first versions, only with a different color design (slightly similar to the first version.)
Fourth version (2003)
The fourth version of Lampreys was part of the Python Patrol pack. It included a brown submachine gunSubmachine gun
A submachine gun is an automatic carbine, designed to fire pistol cartridges. It combines the automatic fire of a machine gun with the cartridge of a pistol. The submachine gun was invented during World War I , but the apex of its use was during World War II when millions of the weapon type were...
and a dark green bayonet
Bayonet
A bayonet is a knife, dagger, sword, or spike-shaped weapon designed to fit in, on, over or underneath the muzzle of a rifle, musket or similar weapon, effectively turning the gun into a spear...
rifle
Rifle
A rifle is a firearm designed to be fired from the shoulder, with a barrel that has a helical groove or pattern of grooves cut into the barrel walls. The raised areas of the rifling are called "lands," which make contact with the projectile , imparting spin around an axis corresponding to the...
. The mold was the same, only with a gold and black color design.
External links
- Lamprey at The Inner Sanctum fansite