NAVAL STATION MAYPORT, Fla. – At an unique event Wednesday, fellow service members saluted “Hero,” a military working dog who was retiring from Naval Station Mayport after 47 “dog years” of service.
The occasion consisted of actual bells and whistles for Hero and his latest handler, Master at Arms Petty Officer First Class Eric Dossantos, who has actually been with Hero for about a year.
“He works hard. He is very playful, but he knows when to get serious to do his job,” Dossantos said.
In his more than 6 human years serving in the military, Hero was referred to as an explosive detection dog. Many of his 5,000 hours of work were invested smelling for dynamites or drugs.
Petty Officer Second Class Daniel Jenks was Hero’s handler for the longest stint — about 3 years — and he is now embracing Hero post-service.
“It is honestly one of the best days of my life seeing Hero get out of the military and just live on the USS Couch and just enjoy his life being a dog,” Jenks said. “He is just a lovable goofball. He would run circles around you, and then, when it’s time to relax, he just lays on the bed and he does not move. He’s a great dog.”
Hero released two times with objectives in Qatar and Kuwait.
That work is over, and although he’ll be dealing with a various family, Dossantos said he’ll constantly have a connection with his partner.
“He will always have a place in my heart,” he said.
Hero retires at the rank of primary minor officer after a job well done.
“Shipmate, you stand relieved,” a senior primary master at arms said throughout the event. “We have been watched.”
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