Military Working Dog

Citizen Airmen Reservists Maj. Mary Minshew, HH-60G Pave Hawk pilot, and a team of Citizen Airmen Reserve aircrew from the 920th Rescue Wing's 301st Rescue Squadron, train with Beta the Belgium Malinois, a 45th Space Wing Security Forces working dog. Both the 45th SW and 920th RQW are located at Patrick Air Force Base, Florida.

Rescue Reservists teach working dogs new tricks

Published Jan. 25, 2018
By 920th Rescue Wing Public Affairs

PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Florida -- Beta, a military working dog with the 45th Space Wing Security Force Squadron, is trained to smell anything from money to explosives and can even recognize hostile actions. He added a new skill Jan. 23 with the help of Reserve Citizen Airmen from the 920th Rescue Wing who familiarized the K9 with riding in helicopters.

Beta, a Belgian Malinois, and his handler, Senior Airman Jerry Jasmin, spent the day flying in HH-60G Pave Hawks from 301st Rescue Squadron. Beta donned all of the safety equipment that his human counterparts must wear, including safety goggles.

Riding in military aircraft is a task necessary for overseas combat operations, said Tech. Sgt. Dwight Veon, 45th Security Forces kennel master.

Military working dogs and their handlers face a variety of missions under a wide array of conditions during deployments. They are constantly on the move, one minute working at a vehicle search area, the next providing security for distinguished visitors.

Using helicopters is sometimes the most efficient way of getting from one mission assignment to the next.