RAF Coningsby dog handlers receive military trophy

The dogs require high levels of care, training and supervision, the RAF said

Royal Air Force police dog handlers at RAF Coningsby have been awarded a trophy for their attitude towards animal welfare.

The dog section also received the military working dogs prestige trophy for their overall contribution to RAF security, the force said.

The unit's group captain said they were a credit to the station and the RAF.

The dogs are trained to detect explosives, weapons and drugs and also provide protection for military personnel and locations.

Station commander Gp Capt Paul O’Grady presents the dog handlers with their trophy.

The dogs have been deployed with British troops in Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan.

The RAF military working dog units were initially formed in 1942 and now have about 180 dogs and 135 handlers.

RAF Coningsby is home to two front-line squadrons with almost 3,000 service personnel and is the training station for Typhoon pilots.

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