Dolphin having teeth cleaned, Navy Marine Mammal Program, San Diego, USA. Animal trainer brushing the teeth of a bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). US Navy dolphins are trained to detect underwater mines, deliver equipment to divers, locate lost objects and guard against intruders. Dolphins are highly intelligent animals and proficient swimmers, able to use echolocation to sense their surroundings. Dolphins are trained using food rewards for successfully completing tasks. The NMMP also trains California sea lions, killer whales and beluga whales.