Kadena Military Working Dog team saves lives in Iraq

  • Published
  • By Walter T. Ham IV
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  A Kadena Airman and his military working dog recently returned from a four-month deployment to Baghdad where they saved lives by locating improvised explosives and weapons caches. 

Staff Sgt. Joseph Branch, a 10-year Air Force veteran from the 18th Security Forces Squadron, and Nemo, his four-year-old explosive detection German Shepherd, deployed for an Air Force joint expeditionary tasking deployment and served with U.S. Army's 4th Infantry Division in and around the Iraqi capital. 

"MWD teams typically fill a law enforcement role here at Kadena," said Sergeant Branch, originally from Atlanta. "On deployment, it's a combat role. You're attached to an Army unit, you're wearing all your gear doing a completely different job and you're in a completely different mindset." 

Sergeant Branch said he and his canine colleague adjusted well to their new missions - accompanying Army Stryker Brigades on door-to-door searches for suspected terrorists and improvised explosive devices. 

According to Sergeant Branch, their mission in Iraq was three-fold: detection, deterrence and security. 

"We were utilized in 'soft knock' and 'hard knock' missions in search for suspected terrorists and enablers," said Sergeant Branch, adding that they also served as a visible deterrent at public gatherings and conducted security sweeps. 

Staff Sgt. Branch said he and Nemo helped to save lives in Iraq by locating weapons caches. 

"Nemo found weapons and ammunition which were confiscated," said Sergeant Branch, adding that their missions ensured "the safety and security of Iraqi citizens and coalition forces." 

According to Tech. Sgt. Jason Dearinger, a military working dog trainer with the 18th SFS, Kadena has 11 military working dogs - both German Shepherds and Belgium Malinois. Kadena's military working dog teams routinely deploy to the Central Command area of operations for six to eight months. 

Sergeant Dearinger, who served on a working dog team during the major combat operations phase of Operation Iraqi Freedom, said there are no assignments that are too hard for an Air Force military working dog handler. 

"As long as we're handling a dog, we're happy," said Sergeant Dearinger, who is from Austin, Texas.

18th Security Forces Squadron Commander, Lt. Col. Rich DeMouy, said the military working dog deployments are an integral part of the important role that 18th SFS personnel are playing locally and globally. 

"The men and women of the 18th Security Forces Squadron are not only law enforcement professionals but they are also true warriors," said Colonel DeMouy. "They ensure law and order on this important Pacific installation and they contribute to peace and stability around globe through expeditionary deployments."