By
CPL Simone Liebelt
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LACW
Tricia Darwin and her dog Bullet on the training exercise.
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LAC
Cam McDonald and military working dog Sheeba get ready to
be hoisted by a Black Hawk.
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Photos
by AC David Gibbs
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MILITARY
working dogs and their handlers, from RAAF Base Amberley, were
taken for a ride recently, thanks to a visit from 5th Aviation
Regiment.
Travelling from Townsville for the Defence Air Show, 5AVN agreed
to help the MWD handlers conduct training during their visit to
Amberley.
Eight handlers from No. 382 Expeditionary Combat Support Squadron
took turns to be winched into the Black Hawk alongside their dogs
in a separate super-sized sling.
The canine harness was designed to allow a dog to move freely
while being winched.
MWD handler Leading Aircraftwoman Tricia Darwin and her dog Bullet
were the only participants familiar with winching, having been
involved in a similar task with 5AVN while on Exercise Pitch Black
earlier this year.
LACW Darwin had used the opportunity working with 5AVN to organise
a similar experience for her Amberley colleagues.
She said the exercise exposed them to what MWD handlers may be
required to do in an operational environment, while providing
a great experience for the handlers and dogs.
Before being winched, the dogs were given a flight over the base
with their handlers to get them used to the smell and noise of
the Black Hawk.
“The dogs were muzzled for safety but they all handled it
really well and didn’t show any signs of discomfort or stress,”
LACW Darwin said.
“Most of them looked just as happy as the handlers, who had
just had a huge adrenalin rush.
“Some of the handlers are still smiling!
“It was an excellent experience and we were really lucky
to get the opportunity.
“We all had a great time and can’t wait to do it again,”
she said.
