U.S. Coast Guard K-9 Teams Participate in Joint Maritime Training

From the U.S. Coast Guard 11th District Pacific Southwest: Federal, state and local explosive-detection K-9 teams participated in a joint maritime training event, Bomb Dogs on the Bay, to hone their explosive-ordnance detection skills Tuesday afternoon at Berkeley Marina.
The training provided an opportunity for different agencies to familiarize the K-9s and handlers with the noise, movement and vibration aboard a small boat and cruise ship while underway. The K-9 teams were also able to become more proficient in their explosive-ordnance detection skills by conducting shore side passenger screening and vehicle and interior vessel sweeps.

"This event is outside normal duties for partner agencies, and as a handler you want your dog to be comfortable in as many places as possible," said Coast Guard Petty Officer 1st Class Cory Sumner, assigned to Maritime Safety and Security Team San Francisco. "Our K-9s are accustomed to the noise and being aboard boats while other agencies might not be. In case they have to be called out to search a boat, at least they now know what to expect if they have to deploy."

There were more than 64 participants from numerous agencies that attended the event to include the Coast Guard, Transportation Security Administration, Alameda and Sacramento Sheriff's Office, Sacramento County Sheriff's Office, San Jose, Bart, Santa Clara, UC Davis and Folsom Police Departments.

Images via the U.S. Coast Guard 11th District Pacific Southwest