Team Vance MWD Works Security Detail

March 19, 2025 Hannah Sanchez 71st SFS, K9 MWD, Military Working Dog (MWD), SF Units, USAF, USAF MWD 0

20250319 Vance MWD 01 — Team Vance Working Dog Team patrols United Nations

VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. – The shadows peel away at the end of a corridor, giving way to the vast Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. There is no roaring crowd to greet Senior Airman Tyler Dash and his military working dog, Ddelarge – only Secret Service agents.

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Dash, a military working dog handler assigned to the 71st Security Forces Squadron at Vance Air Force Base, Oklahoma, and Ddelarge, attended the U.N. General Assembly in New York City in late September. The pair worked as part of a security detail ensuring the safety of world leaders and representatives.

“Our dogs are trained in detection capabilities, whether it’s drugs or explosives, and also control capabilities like apprehending suspects,” Dash said. “They are always ready to deploy with us.”

Dash and Ddelarge have been partners for a year. Since teaming up, Dash said Ddelarge’s experience has humbled him as a handler.

“Dogs are just like humans,” Dash added. “Some are a little edgier or a little more docile, so being able to see all the other handlers made me see this is not easy. There is a lot of time and consistency that you’ve got to put into the job.”

Every new assignment, from bustling city streets to quiet diplomatic halls, offers Dash and Ddelarge valuable lessons in adapting and refining their teamwork.

“My dog is more on the older side, and so I think he’s teaching me more than I can teach him,” Dash said, “teaching me different methods and expending my toolbox for when I get a different dog.

“The whole reason I joined the Air Force was to work with dogs,” Dash said. “ It is the best job in the Air Force because of all the opportunities and experiences you can get.”