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Airman's best friend: Travis security forces use canines for patrol, detection, force protection

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Patrick A. Harrower
  • 60th AIr Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Throughout the ages, mankind has always found ways to expand the roles dogs play in society. Some dogs can lead the blind, while others are used to herd sheep. At Travis AFB, the 60th Security Forces Squadron relies on canine units to assist with a variety of important police details.

"There is no other job in the Air Force where you go to work and play with dogs all day," said Staff Sgt. Robert A. Stewart, 60th SFS military working dog handler. "It's the best job to have if you love dogs."

The military working dog program provides narcotic and explosive detection on base. They also go on regular patrols with police as a show of force and to calm possible situations.

"Having the dogs on base is a great psychological deterrence for potential troublemakers," said Staff Sgt. Gerson E. Henriquez, 60th SFS military working dog trainer.

The dog handlers frequently perform demonstrations for the public, as a way of showing the dogs capabilities. The dogs are accustomed to performing at the demos and are trained to focus on their job and not to pay attention to the crowd, said Sergeant Stewart. The dogs are initially trained at Lackland AFB, TX for about six months before they are sent to work in a canine unit somewhere in the Air Force.

After arrival at their base, the dogs are given a couple weeks to acclimate and will receive a handler by the end of their first month on base. The handlers spend several hours every day training their dogs and the dogs even accompany them to any pre-deployment training they attend.

"Each dog handler usually deploys with their own dog, but it really depends on the dog's capabilities and if the dog is ready," said Sergeant Henriquez.

While deployed, the dog team's primary mission is to look for improvised explosive Devices, weapons caches, and bombs in general.

"The dog teams are the first ones to go out in front of a squad to look for explosives, so we have to be on top of our game," said Sergeant Stewart.

Currently the Army and Marines rely heavily on the Air Force dog teams to fill in shortages in deployed areas.

"There is a very high demand for military working dogs right now," said Sergeant Henriquez. "We provide a lot of explosive support."

From joint force missions in deployed areas to playing a crucial role in protecting their home station, military working dog teams continue to prove they are an invaluable asset at Travis.