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20th SFS kennels undergo upgrades to training yard

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jonathan Bass
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  His heart pounds as oxygenated blood floods his muscles; his lungs pump air faster and harder as he anticipates the command; his legs shake as adrenaline courses through his body, elevating his prey drive; his ears perk up at every sound as he waits ... "Get 'em!"

The heartbeat behind successful military working dogs is the training, and the 20th Security Forces Squadron K-9 section is taking steps to improve that training by renovating their training yard.

"We're having artificial turf, lighting, and some shade installed over the yard," said Tech. Sgt. Theo Blue, 20th SFS kennel master. "The main benefit to renovations like this is the increased training capability."

With the renovations, training will now be able to occur at all times of the day, and during most weather conditions.

"There's no reason not to train anymore," said Blue. "We now have 24-hour operations."

Air Combat Command funded the approximately $380,000 renovations with a scheduled completion date sometime this April. During the planning stage, ACC asked for input as to what changes kennel personnel would like to see in order to improve their capabilities, said Blue.

"One of the great things about this is that ACC pushed this down to the majority of their kennels," said Staff Sgt. Jason McCarthy, 20th SFS military working dog handler. "All the dogs will be getting better care and better training."

While the dogs are receiving better care by having more shade during the summer months, and artificial turf to better secure the obstacles for training, taxpayers shouldn't worry about the cost because the renovations will save money, said Blue.

"This is more cost effective in the long term," said Blue. "We're cutting back on lawn care costs; that means less watering and no more mowing the yard."

Blue said he will most likely give MWD Barris, the 20th SFS's newest dog, the first run through the new training yard upon its completion.