As MWD retires, former handlers share 'tails' of Man's Best Friend
RAF MILDENHALL, England – Military Working Dog Desant, 100th Security Forces Squadron, relaxes during his retirement ceremony Feb. 24, 2012, at the MWD facility here. Desant performed eight years of service, spent at RAF Mildenhall, and amassed 9,000 working hours; 2,500 of which were explosive detection. Although he didn’t have the opportunity to deploy, Desant honorably served his country and the U.S. Air Force by conducting 10 Secret Service missions in support of former presidents, vice-presidents and a first lady, in Northern Ireland, Romania, and all over the United Kingdom. The MWD worked with seven handlers, and throughout his career has been described as very loyal and obedient, though at the same time, not afraid to bite. (U.S. Air Force photo/Karen Abeyasekere)