Popeye Teams Up with FORCE BLUE to Champion Conservation Missions in U.S. National Marine Sanctuaries

King Features Syndicate, a unit of Hearst, has announced Popeye the Sailor Man’s latest eco-focused partnership with FORCE BLUE. In the collaboration, Popeye will serve as the “spokescharacter” for FORCE BLUE’s “Tour of Duty,” a multi-year campaign to conduct marine conservation missions in and around each of the country’s 17 National Marine Sanctuaries (NMS) with the cooperation and support of NOAA and the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation. The partnership officially kicked off last month at FORCE BLUE’s 3rd Annual FORCE BLUE Tattoo, a fundraiser event in New York City.

As the voice of the “Tour of Duty,” Popeye leverages his passion for the sea to spread FORCE BLUE’s message of marine conservation. Working alongside Special Operations veterans, the nation’s top marine scientists and environmentalists, the team will address unique conservation needs, from coral restoration to public education, and more. Together, they aim to open eyes, ears, and minds to the beauty – and fragility – of these national treasures while positively contributing to their preservation.

Popeye’s partnership with FORCE BLUE marks a significant step in uniting popular culture with vital environmental and veteran causes.

“We are thrilled to pipe Popeye aboard FORCE BLUE’s National Marine Sanctuaries ‘Tour of Duty,’” says Jim Ritterhoff, executive director, co-founder, FORCE BLUE. “As an iconic, undisputed champion of the seas, Popeye has a crucial role to play in helping FORCE BLUE Special Operations veterans educate the public about the importance of preserving and restoring these national treasures.”

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“Popeye always fights for what is right,” says Beth Nock, brand marketing director, King Features. “As a Navy man and clean sea advocate, marine conservation and veteran support are two causes very close to his heart. The embodiment of teamwork, dedication, and resilience, Popeye is the ideal ‘spokescharacter’ to educate and inspire communities to protect our National Marine Sanctuaries and the invaluable ecosystems they support. Enlisting in FORCE BLUE’s “Tour of Duty” is a very proud moment in Popeye’s history and it is a privilege for him to serve alongside such dedicated team, raising awareness of their impactful work.”

On Nov. Popeye attended FORCE BLUE’s fundraiser, the 3rd Annual FORCE BLUE Tattoo, held at the New York Athletic Club in New York City to formally announce the partnership. The gala, celebrating the intersection of military service and marine science featured a keynote address by Medal of Honor recipient Special Warfare Operator Master Chief Britt Slabinski and Jessica Harvey, CEO of the Guy Harvey Foundation. The event raised critical funds to support FORCE BLUE’s ongoing mission.

Since first announcing his commitment to sustainability and a plastic-free ocean in 2018, Popeye quickly established key charitable partnerships and launched sustainably made products. This latest collaboration with FORCE BLUE reaffirms Popeye’s commitment to cleaner seas and a greener future for our Earth. You can learn more at Popeye.com.

Other opportunities to support the organization, like sponsoring veteran training and funding the Tour of Duty can be found on their website