KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea — Military working dog teams from the 8th Security Forces Squadron, along with Army units from Camp Humphreys, Republic of Korea, participated in the first joint medical evacuation training event, here at Kunsan Air Base Republic of Korea, April 13, 2021.
The purpose of the training was to observe and calculate the steps needed to properly execute a medevac for MWDs and their handlers due to the physical distance between the working dogs and their veterinary staff.
The K-9 handlers worked closely with their veterinary staff and medics from the 106th Medical Detachment and 3-2 General Support Aviation Battalion, Camp Humphreys, to dispatch two U.S Army HH-60M Black Hawk helicopters and get the MWDs familiar with the aircraft upon arrival.
“The MWDs were introduced to the helicopters gradually, by first getting in while the engines were off to give them a better understanding and there was nothing to be timid about,” said Senior Airman Jacob Figgins, 8th SFS MWD handler. “We loaded the MWDs with the engines running to further familiarize them with the noises and vibrations they’d experience during flight. Obviously you can’t explain to the dog what is going on, so the gradual exposure helps reduce the anxiety associated with the helicopter.”
(*This article includes 9 pictures)
