Guarding Michelle

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Brittany A. Chase
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  A military working dog team from the 366th Security Forces Squadron was selected to support the first lady of the United States, also known as FLOTUS, Aug. 22.

The dog handler, Staff Sgt. Tyson Naylor, and his four-legged partner, Onix, conducted sweeps throughout the interior of the Arthur Ashe Stadium in Queens, N.Y., before first lady Michelle Obama kicked off the 2013 Arthur Ashe Kids' Day at the U.S. Open Aug. 24.

Taskings for dignitary missions like this one are usually short notice, requiring the military working dog teams to always be on their toes and paws.

"Air Combat Command was allocated two slots and Mountain Home was one of them," Naylor said. "When I was asked to go on this FLOTUS mission, I jumped at the opportunity since we don't see these kinds of missions often."

Normally, MWD teams support presidential missions, working with the secret service and other military branches.

"Getting the opportunity to train with outside agencies -- especially for K-9s -- is very vital," Naylor said. "It expands our knowledge and can help us all downrange in the long run."

After reporting for duty, Naylor and Onix had to adjust quickly to prepare for the task ahead. One major modification was the change from working day shift to night shift.

During their eight-hour shift of night sweeps at the stadium, the teams took 10- to 15-minute breaks. which helped them stay alert and focused.

"It was great being able to spend the full 24-hour period with Onix," Naylor said. "We worked together, and came back to our room where he slept on the bed with me. He didn't have to stay in the kennels unless I left. It was a break for us to just bond."

Naylor's leadership is glad he received the opportunity to perform this mission and had full confidence he and Onix would succeed.

"The detection capabilities Onix brings to the fight are essential with on and off-base missions," said Tech. Sgt. Justin Devaney, 366th SFS non-commissioned officer in charge of the MWD section. "Both Naylor and Onix played a vital role in assisting with the mission, making it easy for me to trust them with protecting the first lady."