JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- 673d Security Forces Squadron military working dogs Uunkas and Chicco were retired from official duties at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, June 12, 2024.
In 2016, Chicco was selected to attend the 341 Training Squadron/Dog Training School at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, where he became certified in patrol and explosive detection– and in 2017 Uunkas did the same.
Both working dogs were stationed at JBER for their first duty station where they had exceptional careers.
During his time in Alaska, Chicco protected several dignitaries such as the U.S. president, but his skills were also beneficial while deployed to Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar. He provided explosive detection countermeasures for the prime minister of Qatar and the U.S. secretary of state, helping earn his team Large Unit of the Year at 9th Air Force-level.
"MWD Chicco was the first operational partner I got to work with. He taught me a lot as a handler,” said U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Sodan Ka, 673d SFS military working dog handler. “We have provided security for foreign government officials, U.S. government officials, and celebrities. We were deployed together to Al Udeid Air Base in October 2022, where he injured his hind legs.”
After months of treatment and recovery, Ka and his wife welcomed Chicco into their family where he could settle into retirement life.
Similar to Chicco, Uunkas also supported dignitaries at JBER; however, one of his highlighting moments was when he detected a bomb threat and safeguarded personnel and vital assets. While attending the National Odor Recognition training at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, Uunkas was one of only two teams that earned Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearm certification.
“Uunkas taught me so much throughout our two years of working together; now I feel confident in working with another dog when I leave,” said U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Maura Goodwin, MWD handler with the 673d SFS.
Now that his career is complete, Uunkas will live with his adopted family in Alaska.