Air Force MWD handlers visit Japan K-9 training center

  • Published
  • By Yasuo Osakabe
  • 374th Airlift Wing public affairs
NARITA, Japan --  The Japan Ministry of Finance customs invited members of the 374th Security Forces Squadron to their Tokyo Customs Canine Training Center for a familiarization tour and to show their appreciation at Narita, Chiba Prefecture, April 15, 2016.

With Yokota Air Base being located in the heart of Japan, training is often conducted side-by-side with Japanese counterparts. The 374 SFS military working dog unit plays a big role in this bilateral partnership by performing explosive detections training with the Japan Air Self-Defense Force and Japan Customs.

"Explosive detector dogs are exceptionally valuable in anti-terrorism operations, detections of unexploded ordnance, and bomb threat assessment," said Technical Sgt. Janno Adelan, 374 SFS Kennel master. "This capability augments explosive detection roles by assisting in detection and alerting."

To show their appreciation for this training Tokyo Customs invited Yokota Airmen for the first time to their training center for a presentation and a tour. During the presentation Tokyo Customs recognized Adelan and Naokatsu Tajika, 374 SFS military working dog trainer, for their help in explosive detections techniques training by presenting them with letters of appreciation.

"You are kind and have helped us learn K-9 training techniques for 15 years," said Tomohiro Matsushige, Tokyo Customs deputy director general. "I am deeply grateful for the intensive training you have provided for us as friends. I realize that the training comes with risks and I highly appreciate your enormous contribution."

Tajika has been a MWD trainer with the 374 SFS for more than 20 years and Adelan has been stationed at Yokota for more than three years, training working dogs for the military and support organizations.

"I am honored to share my K-9 skills as a MWD trainer to Japanese officials and contribute to the U.S. Air Force." Tajika told.

"Thank you for entrusting Tech. Sgt. Adelan and Mr. Tajika to provide this valuable K-9 training," said Major Tyrone Bess, 374th SFS commander. "We are going to continue to work together through training to help secure Japan's border."

After the presentation, Tokyo Customs members gave their Yokota counterparts a tour of the training center.

The training center is responsible for training the dogs in narcotic detection. When they are qualified, the dogs are sent to major ports of entry controlled by the JMOF around Japan, such as airports, seaports, post offices and cargo warehouse.

"Their facility was very impressive; it was clean and organized," Adelan said. "It was similar to the U.S. Military Working Dogs Training School at Lackland Air Force Base."

Both facilities provide essential training to service dogs, however the Lackland facility has the ability to provide explosive detection training to each branch of the military, as well as civilian police and the Department of Transportation. This allows Yokota's MWD unit the opportunity to pass down essential training and knowledge to their Japanese counterparts.