By Allison Watkinson
TLL Reporter
King Features has launched a partnership with Force Blue that names Popeye the Sailor Man as the mascot for the organization’s Tour of Duty campaign.
As Force Blue’s officially licensed spokescharacter, Popeye will serve alongside a team of marine scientists, environmental advocates and Special Operations veterans on a long-term ocean conservation initiative.
“Popeye always fights for what is right,’ said King Features BMD, Beth Nock. “As a Navy man and clean sea advocate, marine conservation and veteran support are two causes very close to his heart.”
The multi-year Tour of Duty campaign will involve several conservation missions with 17 different National Marine Sanctuary (NMS) locations in the U.S.
With cooperation and support from the NOAA and the NMS Foundation, the Tour of Duty missions will address crucial environmental topics such as coral restoration, public education and more.
“We are thrilled to pipe Popeye aboard Force Blue’s National Marine Sanctuaries Tour of Duty,’” said Force Blue ED, Jim Ritterhoff. “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.”
The partnership between King Features and Force Blue officially kicked off during the non-profit organization’s third annual Force Blue Tattoo fundraiser gala event on November 7.
Held at the New York Athletic Club, the gala event was attended by a costumed mascot version of Popeye to formally announce the charitable licensing partnership.
“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,” said Nock. “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 a dedicated team, raising awareness of their impactful work.”
Since first announcing its commitment to sustainability in 2018, King Features has established a number of key charitable partnerships and sustainable product collections for the Popeye entertainment brand.
Founded in 2015 by Jim Ritterhoff and Rudy Reyes, Force Blue is a non-profit organization that focuses on helping Spec-Ops veterans find purpose and wellbeing while working alongside conservationists to protect marine environments.
Additional opportunities to support and fund Force Blue can be found on the organization’s dedicated website.