August 05, 2014, NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY, Bahrain (NNS) – Naval Security Force (NSF) Bahrain held a memorial ceremony for two fallen military working dogs (MWD), Tyson (H225) and Qquinn (J509), for their service to the U.S. Navy and Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain, Aug. 4.
MWDs are treated as service members in the military community, but additionally as shipmates in the Navy.
“They are biological creatures with a heartbeat, a mind, emotions and unique personalities,” said Chief Master-at-Arms Lori Beeman, kennel master of NSA Bahrain. “When you combine all these things within the animal and you see their drive, their loyalty and what they do for us, they become more than just tool to help meet a mission.”
Just like Sailors who come into the Navy, each dog receives basic training. Depending on the dogs acquired skills, capabilities and personality; they can receive additional training for specialized tasks.
“These dogs actually have federal stock numbers based on the dog’s specialty, such as drug or explosive detection, or for patrol,” said Master-at-Arms 1st Class Jason Walters, MWD trainer for NSA Bahrain. “However these dogs have intelligence and the handlers need to be able to respond to bring out the best in the dogs. For example, Qquinn’s first trainer said she was eager to please her handler and wants to go fast. These traits were no lost during her time in Bahrain.”
Qquinn was born in June 2003 and was one of the first litters of the Lackland Air Force Base 341st Training Squadron MWD DoD Puppy Program. She was trained to detect numerous explosive odors and learned more to meet additional mission requirements at NSA Bahrain. Qquinn arrived at NSA Bahrain in December 2006. Since that time, she conducted more than 3,600 hours on duty, which included searching 6,000 vehicles, 100 watercraft, 90 buildings and 40 warehouses.
Qquinn was diagnosed with lymphoma and was retired. She enjoyed a few months of retirement with her adoptive family, Master Chief Master-at-Arms Marc Nieves, before she succumbed to the cancer. Qquinn died June 29, 2014. She gave 11 years of dedicated service to her country.
Tyson entered military service in August 2004 and reported to NSA Bahrain in December that year. Due to his aggressive personality, Tyson worked mostly behind the scenes away from people. He was the only MWD allowed to ride in the front seat and not in the kennel in the back of the vehicle.
Tyson had one of the best noses for explosives, so this is where he was most used. During his nine years in Bahrain, Tyson swept more than 54,000 vehicles and more than 1 million pounds of inbound cargo. On Aug. 28, 2013, Tyson was suffering with excessive pain and lameness in his hindquarters and was euthanized.
“We honor these dogs for their service because they are truly dedicated,” said Beeman. “The dogs never asked to be in military service and all they want in return is for us to feed and water them, provide them with a place to sleep, and reward them with their toys.”
For more news from Naval Support Activity Bahrain, visit www.navy.mil/local/nsabahrain/.