Airman, dog provide security for Afghanistan

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Catharine Schmidt
  • Combined Forces Command -- Afghanistan Public Affairs
KABUL COMPOUND, Afghanistan (AFPN) --  In August, Staff Sgt. David Yepsen had to do everything all Airmen do when they deploy, from updating training to getting medically cleared. He also had one more thing to worry about -- his military working dog deploying alongside him.

Sergeant Yepsen and his dog, Dax, from the 43rd Security Forces Squadron at Pope Air Force Base, N.C., are both deployed here with the Army’s 58th Military Police Company. They are the only Air Force canine team in Afghanistan. During their six-month tour, when the pair is not providing security at nearby Bagram Air Base, they are providing security here.

Anywhere from 30 to 60 vehicles come onto the compound daily and each is searched by a canine team, said Army Capt. Lorenzo Fiorentino, provost marshal and anti-terrorism force protection officer here.

“A dog can find things a person can’t,” Sergeant Yepsen said. “A dog’s nose is probably 1,000 times (more sensitive) than a human’s nose. So it makes it easier for the dogs to find things that are hidden that (we) can’t find with the naked eye.”

The majority of the vehicles they search, such as septic and construction trucks, are driven by contractors. The team is always on call.

“We search under the hood, inside the car, (in the) wheel wells. Anywhere you could think of to put an explosive is where we look, hoping he doesn’t respond,” Sergeant Yepsen said.

“You have to be able to read your dog, because (it will) have a change of behavior when (it) catches a scent,” he said. “For instance, Dax will put his tail up in the air, his nose will go up, he’ll get real excited, and then start pacing back and forth until he gets to the strongest point of the odor. Once he pinpoints the scent, he’ll sit and wait for me to reward him.”

Besides searching vehicles entering the compound, they search buildings and areas that are going to be used by visiting dignitaries.

“We did a mission for the protective services team,” Sergeant Yepsen said. “We searched a restaurant, the surrounding area and the vehicles in that vicinity to make sure it was safe.”

Not only are they the only Air Force canine team around, Sergeant Yepsen is the only security forces Airman here. He said working with the Army has been a great opportunity, and the Soldiers said he is doing a great job here.

“Staff Sergeant Yepsen exemplifies the true meaning of professionalism and flexibility,” Captain Fiorentino said. “His integration into our operations was practically seamless.”

Since this is Sergeant Yepsen’s first deployment, he said it was nice to deploy with Dax, who has been on numerous deployments.

“Everyone at Pope said that if they had to deploy with a canine ... they would want Dax,” Sergeant Yepsen said.

It could be because of Dax’s mellow temperament or his detection accuracy. But whatever the case, Sergeant Yepsen said he is glad to have him here.

“I miss my dogs at home, and I miss my wife, but it makes it a little easier to have somebody I know here with me,” he said. “He’s a good listener, but he doesn’t talk much.”

Even though the team is on call at all times, they find time to have some fun together, whether it is taking a walk outside, hanging out in their room or shopping at the bazaar.

From work to play, this deployment has strengthened their bond making them an unstoppable team, Sergeant Yepsen said.