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Every paw press into powder dry snow produces a sharp shriek in
to the dark frigid air only heard in negative temperatures. Not a
breath through the wet, black nostrils isn't without effort inhaling
painful sniffs intent on detecting deadly explosives, drugs or
intruders.
Military working dogs from the 354th Security
Forces Squadron march alongside the human defenders who stand “Ready
to go at 50 below” 24 hours a day protecting assets that set atop
the world in the U.S. Air Force's Pacific theater of operations.
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U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Mathis Williams, a 354th Security Forces
military working dog (MWD) handler, takes a break from a patrol with
MWD Oopal in the dark at 30 degrees below zero March 7, 2016, at
Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, while the aurora borealis dances
behind them. Military working dogs from Eielson work alongside the
human defenders who stand “Ready to go at 50 below” 24 hours a day
protecting assets that set atop the world in the U.S. Air Force's
Pacific theater of operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Shawn Nickel)
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“There is no doubt this duty station puts you in a unique
environment,” said Tech. Sgt. J.D. Wake, the 354th SFS
kennel master. “There are tricks to being a successful
handler here. Part of it is acclimating rather than just
overcoming challenges. ‘Train like you fight' is a saying
that is a constant reminder that we can be put off learning
to deal with the cold and dark. We are required to be able
to function at minus 50 here and weeks later be able to
perform at a deployed location on the other side of the
world.”
If someone could read the muffled growls
coming from behind the sharp fangs they may be begging for
the opportunity to work. It's a drive so intense these dogs
are feared by terrorist and criminals throughout the world.
Wake has deployed as a MWD handler two times and has
experienced environments around the world on temporary duty
and assignments to various Air Force bases. After working
with more than 40 K-9s, and bearing the scars to prove it,
he is an expert in the field.
“It's just you and the
dog the way on a deployment,” he said. “Even in later in
Iraq or established locations you are together all the time.
You bond and these dogs become your best friend and
partners. That's similar to how it is here.
“You
spend a lot of time on the road and away from other people
in a remote environment. You never get to see the true
character of a dog ‘till you take him to places like these
where there isn't a comfort zone.”
With the nine
months of winter stifling lush grass and creating a thick
frozen environment, handlers get creative in exercising the
dense muscles hidden under the thick coats of their “fur
missiles.” Bounds of energy press from the souls of these
prized Airmen who ready to protect and serve like no
two-legged counterpart can.
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U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Berret Chappelle, a 354th Security Forces
military working dog (MWD) handler, works with MWD Cage March 7,
2016, at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. Military working dogs from
Eielson work alongside the human defenders who stand “Ready to go at
50 below” 24 hours a day protecting assets that set atop the world
in the U.S. Air Force's Pacific theater of operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Shawn Nickel)
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“When temperatures plummet, outside activity has to be
quick,” said Staff Sgt. Berret Chappelle, a 354th SFS MWD
handler. “When I first got to Eielson I asked how we are
able to train with it being so cold. Wake laughed and said,
‘Three minutes at a time.'”
The nine to 10 K-9s at
Eielson are no different than the other hundreds stationed
around the world. They need to move more than three minutes
at a time.
“We take advantage of every space
we can after we make sure we are confident we can function outside,”
Chappelle said. “Old buildings, long halls, hangers and every other
building become our daily patrol. We do a lot of building sweeps and
get creative to expel energy.”
Although the far north creates
numerous challenges that may seem insurmountable to an outsider,
Chappelle can look at the positives of the daily grind by focusing
on the brighter aspects of the environment.
“Have you ever
looked at the mountains?” he asks with the assumption the answer is
yes, focusing on the beauty of the surrounding mountain range. “Have
you ever looked at the mountains hanging out with a dog? Doesn't get
better than that.”
By U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Shawn Nickel
Provided
through DVIDS
Copyright 2016
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