YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --  

Among the ranks of Defenders at Yokota Air Base, Tek is a name that will not soon be forgotten. Though Tek was not only a 374th Security Forces Defender, he was a highly-skilled U.S. Air Force military working dog.

MWDs have a storied history, integral in the past and present work of the U.S. Armed Forces. Their various roles dating back through the last century have ranged from detecting explosives and narcotics to apprehending suspected criminals. Equipped with keen senses and unquestioned loyalty, K-9s operate daily alongside their human handlers to ensure the safety and success of military operations.

Like all enlisted Airmen, all K-9s begin their careers in Joint Base San Antonio, Texas. They are assigned to the 341st Training Squadron and begin a 120-day training regimen to prepare for service. According to the U.S. Department of Defense, whether brought in from other credentialed breeders or born and bred straight into the nation’s Puppy Program, all canines are trained through the MWD Training Program.

MWD Tek was officially certified for explosive detection for the U.S. Air Force in January 2019. The eager, two year-old Belgian Malinois formally began his service for the 374th Security Forces Squadron at Yokota Air Base later that same year in August, providing security and law enforcement to the Pacific Air Forces’ largest aerial port. 

It was approximately three years later in 2022 that Senior Airman William Hepp V and Tek would first meet. Fresh from handler school and new to Yokota, Hepp found himself face-to-face with the daunting challenge of being partnered with Tek, now experienced in his work, but notorious for his reputation as a ‘psycho dog.’ Despite being met with warnings and concern from seasoned handlers and leadership, Hepp kept an optimistic mindset.

“Hearing that he was a ‘psycho dog’ was a little bit nerve-wracking,” he explained. “But I’ve always loved animals, so I never took what I heard about him from others as the complete truth.”

According to the American Kennel Club, the Belgian Malinois breed is, “a world-class worker who forges an unbreakable bond with his human partner.” It’s stated further that, “problems set in, though, when this people-oriented dog is underemployed and neglected,” and this rang true when it came to Tek. Six months without a handler had aggravated his anxiety and restlessness, and Hepp’s first hurdle was getting his new partner back into shape and ready for work. Countless hours of consistent training and discipline eventually revealed the parts of Tek’s personality and potential that had been buried.

“His previous handler did a lot of phenomenal work with him and it was up to me to bring it all back,” Hepp said. “He was actually a very relaxed dog. He acted like he was retired all the time and loved all the attention he could get.”

This mutual effort and perseverance laid the foundation of trust and respect between the two, paving the way for an extraordinary partnership to carry on for the next two years. Hepp and Tek worked dutifully side-by-side, safeguarding $4.3 billion in Department of Defense assets and providing support in 20 visitor sweeps, which include visits from Air Force One and the Director of National Intelligence. Additionally, they executed 200 random antiterrorism measures, over a thousand foot patrols and 400 entry control presence patrols, ultimately accumulating a letter of appreciation and being coined three different times by Yokota leadership. 

“I always felt that I had my back covered. He was reliable, day in and day out,” Hepp recounted. “Their loyalty is forever, so military working dogs will try to pretend they’re okay even when they’re not.”

Neither adversaries, perilous missions, or exhausting work schedules could impede the indomitable team that was Tek and his handler.

The only thing that proved to slow down the duo, however, was cancer.

“He had cancer throughout his body and his joints were terrible, but he didn’t want to leave or quit,” Hepp shared. “Ultimately, it took us making the call - for his sake.”

MWD Tek took his final ride in June 2024. Hepp, other MWD handlers, and members of 374th SFS gathered, paying homage to the hero with gentle pats and quiet words of comfort. In his last moments, he was surrounded by love and respect. 

“I think everyone holds onto the image of Tek being a goofy dog,” Hepp remarked. “I hope the memories of him continue on for those that got to interact with him.”

The partnership and trust between Tek and Hepp had been diligently forged by rigorous training and countless patrols. Their bond was cemented permanently in the quiet moments shared off-the-clock playing tug-of-war, resting together on the couch, and simply enjoying each others’ presence. Over time, Tek became more than just a MWD. He was a steadfast partner and a source of comfort, only furthering the timeless truth that dogs really are man’s best friend.