Marine Corps Base Hawaii -- Military working dogs, although cute, are a force to be reckoned with. The canines stationed aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii are well trained to keep those who serve and live here safe.
The dogs work in the Provost Marshal’s Office’s K-9 unit, with the purpose to detect illegal substances such as narcotics and explosives. Also, the dogs act as a deterrent for criminal activity and as an effective tool for antiterrorism. Military police dog handlers and their dogs conduct vehicle and walking patrols, as well as random sweeps, said Sgt. Daniel Pierce, chief trainer with the unit.
“The Marine Corps has a no-drug tolerance and we are here to help keep that in line,” Pierce said. “The dogs are (intimidating) and are extremely effective.”
The handlers and their dogs not only patrol in vehicles but also on foot. Whether they’re walking through the neighborhoods on base or just having a presence at the gates, their goal is to ensure the base and everyone on it is safe.
“It’s good we get a good public perception,” Pierce said. “We want those who reside on MCB Hawaii to know we are being proactive.”
The unit is comprised of 13 working dogs that train on a daily basis to ensure they’re ready for the unexpected. Dog handler school takes place at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Pierce said. Marines complete the basic handler course, which is three and a half months where they learn basic skills, including patrol, bite work, scouts, and building-searches and detection.
“Training is very important to make sure the dogs maintain a high level of accuracy with minimal mistakes,” Pierce said.
The Marines and civilians with the K-9 unit said they’re approachable but be cautious when they have the dogs as they’re trained to keep anyone from harming their handler and are not pets.
PMO strives to keep MCB Hawaii safe, to report any suspicious activity utilizes https://usmceagleeyes.org or call 257-6976.