DVIDS – News – The unbreakable bond: Remembering Military Working Dog Crock

JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. – The 316th Security Support Squadron, joined by base management and group members Monday, honored the life and repair of Military Working Dog Crock, who handed on March 4 after 5 years of honorable service to the U.S. Air Force.

Assigned to the 316th Security Support Squadron, Crock served a distinguished profession supporting nationwide safety and protection together with his explosive detection and patrol capabilities, and he was posthumously awarded the Meritorious Service Medal after passing away from medical problems.

“We as an institution give so much reverence for the trust that we must maintain between our fellow wingmen, and rightfully so, as the execution of our mission depends upon its integrity,” stated U.S. Air Force Major Ryan Chylewski, 316th Security Support Squadron commander. “That trust is just as crucial between our handlers and their dogs, and it forms the core of their bond that, for anyone who has seen these teams operate, is nearly tangible.”

Crock’s operational achievements, together with 2,874 search hours, 4,495 car inspections and 101 plane sweeps, straight supported the security of the president, vice chairman, and quite a few overseas heads of state and dignitaries transiting by the National Capital Region.

Crock’s contributions to explosive detection, antiterrorism measures, and base safety throughout his deployment to Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait in assist of Operation Inherent Resolve ensured the protected cargo transportation and the safety of joint and coalition forces.

Beyond Crock’s achievements and contributions, he additionally developed a powerful bond together with his handlers. This bond is key to their missions and the well-being of the dogs and their human counterparts.

“That bond is what makes this loss so hard, but building of such a bond is what drives many of military work dog handlers,” stated Chylewski.

For U.S. Air Force Technical Sergeant Ryan Harris, Crock’s navy working canine handler from October 2020 to August 2021, the experiences he shared when Crock first started his profession and through their deployment had been a supply of motivation.

“He was my hardest working dog. He developed me and exposed me as a handler to want something better. It made us better as a team,” Harris stated. “He definitely taught me some things I needed to know to grow as a handler.”

Harris commented that Crock is remembered not just for his vibrancy but additionally for the loyalty he confirmed to his handers. Military working dogs are usually in a position to do what they should do, whatever the handler. But for Crock, his devotion was unmatched.

“You had to have a bond, or he would not do anything for anyone,” stated U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Katherine Clothier, Crock’s navy working canine handler from September 2022 to November 2023. “He had, I would say, one of the strongest emotions to his handlers out of most of these dogs.”

Clothier added that Crock’s life is a testomony to the ability, belief and loyalty of navy working dogs and their handlers. His legacy is a reminder of the contributions of all navy working dogs and their handlers to our nation’s security and safety.

“Crock emulated what every Military Working Dog has at the root of their heart, which is love for their handler,” Clothier stated. ”There won’t ever be a canine like Crock in my life. Thank you for all of the reminiscences we shared, Crock. May you relaxation in peace.”