Airmen train Navy's 'Rocky' to become contender

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Shaloma McGovern
  • 437th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. (AFPN) --  In the 1980s, Rocky Balboa knocked out many contenders. At Charleston a new Rocky is poised to arise and become victorious in 2004.

The 437th Security Forces Squadron canine unit here is helping the Charleston Naval Weapons Station develop a kennel program. The unit here has opened its doors to house and train Rocky, the naval canine, with the 437th SFS dogs while the Navy builds a kennel of its own.

After Sept. 11, 2001, the NWS security forces stepped up homeland security and began developing a kennel program for the station’s brig.

"Having the opportunity to work with the Navy ... allows us the advantage to see how the other branch works with their respective mission," said Tech. Sgt. Toby McKnight, 437th SFS kennel master. "It also increases the capabilities and abilities of the dogs due to the combined knowledge and training of the Navy and Air Force."

The Navy recently received Rocky from the 341st Training Squadron at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, where all Department of Defense dogs and kennel masters are trained.

Because both the Navy and Air Force dog handlers attend the same training and receive their dogs from the same location, the partnership seems only natural.

"The Navy and the Air Force have similar missions and work hand in hand," Sergeant McKnight said. "The kennel program will be a great asset to the Navy once the program is up and running."

Dog handlers here will help the naval dog handlers train Rocky for his qualification test, which is administered by the naval installation commander.

"It's been a learning experience working with the Air Force, and I am a better handler because of it," said Petty Officer 1st Class Kenneth Spade of the NWS security forces.

Once Rocky is qualified he will be the first canine member of the NWS and will be capable of detecting narcotics and explosives. Rocky, who arrived here last month, will work at the station’s brig and continue to be housed here until the naval facility is complete.

Rocky is one of seven military working dogs maintained here, with the rest assigned to the 437th Airlift Wing. The Charleston kennel program has existed for more than 30 years and trains dogs to search for narcotics and detect explosives to support homeland security.

With the help of his trainers, Rocky will be ready to go a few rounds with the bad guys in only a few short months. (Courtesy of Air Mobility Command News Service)