Lamprey (G.I. Joe)
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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.
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[edit] General information
The Cobra Lampreys are Cobra's amphibious assault troopers, responsible for operation of Cobra naval vehicles, patrol around naval bases and attack. The 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 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."
[edit] 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 gun 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).
[edit] Second Version (1991)
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 Hasbro'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.
[edit] Third Version (2000)
The third version of Lampreys was included with the Man-O-War (a Cobra submarine.) 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.)
[edit] Fourth Version (2003)
The fourth version of Lampreys was part of the Python Patrol pack. It included a brown submachine gun and a dark green bayonet rifle. The mold was the same, only with a gold and black color design.
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