Working dog still fit to fight

Staff Sgt. Anthony Peters, 48th Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler, praises MWD Gina after a successful patrol at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, April 22, 2015. Gina recently faced a medical review board and, after careful examination, was cleared to return to active duty. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Dawn M. Weber/Released)

Working dog still fit to fight

Staff Sgt. Anthony Peters, 48th Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler, and MWD Gina, patrol the perimeter of Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, April 22, 2015. MWDs share a strong sense of passion and respect with their handlers. They’re responsible for protecting and defending Air Force bases around the world. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Dawn M. Weber/Released)

Working dog still fit to fight

Staff Sgt. Anthony Peters, 48th Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler, and MWD Gina, play after a successful patrol at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, April 22, 2015. Gina recently faced a medical review board and, after careful examination, was cleared to return to active duty. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Dawn M. Weber/Released)

Working dog still fit to fight

Staff Sgt. Anthony Peters, 48th Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler, and MWD Gina, conduct random detection training on a parked car at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, April 22, 2015. Gina recently faced a medical review board and, after careful examination, was cleared to return to active duty. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Dawn M. Weber/Released)

Working dog still fit to fight

Then Senior Airman Anthony Peters, 48th Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler, praises MWD Gina after completing an obedience course at Royal Air Force Feltwell, England, April 9, 2014. MWD handlers are responsible for keeping their partners trained in techniques to include bite work and detection for drugs or explosives, as well as maintaining a healthy relationship. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Dawn M. Weber/Released)

Working dog still fit to fight

Published Sept. 3, 2015
By Senior Airman Dawn M. Weber
48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --

After six years of service, Gina, a 48th Security Forces Squadron military working dog, and her handler of two years, Staff Sgt. Anthony Peters, went to Germany for a full medical review where it would be determined if her 42 years of service, in dog years, would come to an end.

Gina has served on multiple temporary duty assignments throughout Europe, serving on details to protect the president and his family, as well as various political dignitaries. It came as no surprise that after years of wear and tear, Gina would be reviewed and that the possibility of retirement could be in her future.

According to Tech. Sgt. Rachel Wagner, 48th SFS MWD kennel master, Peters went above and beyond caring for Gina by coming in during off-duty hours to play fetch or run. These practices created and secured their immediate bond.

"You can sense the strength of their bond the minute you see the two of them working together," Wagner said. "There is trust, as well as a great deal of respect between them."

After weeks of medical reviews and waiting for final results, Gina was cleared to return to active duty. She continues to serve and protect Airmen and their families at RAFs Lakenheath and Feltwell beside her canine brothers and sisters, saving lives and keeping the 48th FW forward, ready, now.

"I was lucky enough to be chosen to work with Gina," Peters said. "And I'm glad to be continuing to serve alongside her. I was told the first day working with Gina that we meshed well. We share the same smile!"