MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala -- One of Maxwell’s military working dogs, Rocky, is trading his kennel of 5-years for a sofa next to his work partner.
Rocky has served as a Crusader since April 1, 2011, and will be going home with his current handler, Staff Sgt. Terrance Smith.
When a MWD is poised for retirement, their current handler gets the first opportunity to provide a home for the canine. If declined, former handlers are asked before other placement considerations are made.
Rocky and Smith have been partners for almost a year, securing Maxwell from harm. That partnership will continue as the duo will defend against unwanted squirrels, birds and poor TV channels at Smith’s home.
“I can’t wait to get to the house and open the back door and tell him to just to play,” Smith said. “Rocky likes to poop on top of anything he can get his tail over, so whatever tree stumps I have out there are in some real danger. Having the chance to see him run around the yard and just be a normal dog is such a great feeling and I really want that for him.”
Although he is in medical category IV, deeming him incapable of working, Smith continues to bring his partner with him on patrol while the paperwork is being processed.
“As soon as we get the, ‘go,’ from the veterinarian at Lackland, he will be able to take over Sergeant Smith's king size bed and watch all the Animal Planet he wants,” said Staff Sgt. Adam Bearden, 42nd Security Forces Squadron’s MWD trainer. “Rocky is the Alpha Dog of our kennels. There have been many times when I return Rocky to his kennel at the end of the day, every other MWD here are quiet, when usually they bark toward the returning dog.”
While assigned to Maxwell, Rocky performed thousands of hours of random anti-terrorism measures, securing restricted and controlled areas on base, proving pivotal in safeguarding vital assets critical to national defense. During his deployment to Afghanistan, he saved numerous lives by discovering 500 pounds of homemade explosives.
Within the last year, Rocky has shown his age and medically has declined in performance, which is why Bearden thinks it is time for him to hang up his badge.
“Even at his age, there was never a time when he could not find an explosive training aid or perform the commands given by his handler,” he said. “He continued to prove why he was a huge asset to the mission and most importantly, represented Maxwell well. He will always be one of my favorite dogs that I had the privilege to handle.”
Along with his security forces duties, Rocky often took part in demonstrations for base tour groups and other opportunities to showcase the Air Force’s best asset, its members.
“As a trainer, I enjoyed showing the potential Rocky had and it was always a great feeling to see their handler gain that confidence themselves,” Bearden said. “There are many times where I witnessed patrol certified dogs who were equipment oriented and will not pursue a suspect unless he or she was wearing a bite suit or protective bite sleeve. But, with Rocky, there was never any question. I was confident that if I was ever in that position where I would have to release him to take a suspect down, he would.”
Although 10 yr. old Rocky has never lived the house-dog life, Smith feels his adjustment will be fairly seamless, and is excited to see Rocky sitting on his couch.
“He has worked his entire life and I just want him to relax,” Smith said watching his partner play in the Maxwell MWD facility. “My only worry about bringing him home is the house training. Home is a different concept than the kennels. We are just going to get home and switch his work mindset to a couch mindset. He has earned a great second act and I just want to spend that with him.”
Rocky’s former handler and kennel trainer, Bearden, has worked alongside the bomb dog since his arrival and holds his former partner as the standard for MWD’s coming to Maxwell.
“It is definitely sad to see an MWD like Rocky depart our kennels,” he said. “Just like with any other kennel, when one is lost, another is gained. Hopefully, if ever we do gain Rocky's replacement, the accomplishments are met and even better, surpassed. Regardless, even after that day comes, Rocky's legacy will always remain.”