U.S. Marines rush from a CH-46 helicopter during a Quick Reaction Force exercise. Photo by LCpl. James P. Douglas, USMC

Australian Air Force dog handler, AC Jamey McDonnell, patrols with his dog “Art” during an airfield defense exercise. Photo courtesy of Australian Department of Defence

Military Working Dogs Provide Security
Speaking of the small team of six Military Working Dogs (MWDs) and their handlers in Exercise CROCODILE, handler RAAF AC Jamey McDonnell said the small number of dog handlers made shift work tiring for both dog and handler. Aircraft security was the primary role of an MWD section deployed to an airstrip in the field. The dogs also provided tracking and detection capability for the airfield defence unit.

Open Day in Rockhampton
More than 6,000 people attended Open Day, a joint Australian and U.S. activity held in Rockhampton to thank the people of the city for their hospitality during the combined training exercise conducted in the area. Military hardware on display included CH-46, Cobra, Black Hawk, Kiowa, Sea Knight, and Iroquois helicopters; M1A1 Abrams and Leopard tanks; Australian Light Armored Vehicles; an M113 armored personnel carrier; a U.S. Humvee; and artillery weapons, including howitzer and Hamel field guns, and Rapier and RBS70 missiles. Military Police dogs performed, and an RAAF C-130 Hercules transport aircraft passed over the airport during the day. The Australian Army’s mascot camels, Vern and Penny, were also there. Because Open Day occurred during Legacy Week, people were asked to contribute to Legacy, an organization that assists 134,000 military widows and 1,900 children and disabled dependants across Australia.