Lajes Airman, K-9 provide unique service at G40 summit

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Olufemi Owolabi
  • 65th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
LAJES FIELD, Azores --  A Lajes Field Airman and his security forces detection dog were tasked as part of the security detail that provided support for President Barack Obama and Air Force One at the G40 summit Nov. 19 through 20 in Lisbon, Portugal.

After conducting a host of training together at Lajes Field, Azores, Staff Sgt. Curtis Locke, a 65th Security Forces Squadron kennel master, and his K-9, whose name is Devil, deployed to Lisbon to help provide the presidential jet with a specialized detection capability.

After arriving in Lisbon and getting situated, Sergeant Locke received a briefing that highlighted their mission objectives.

"Devil's detection skill was used to sweep fuel trucks, government vehicles and to provide support for anything that would come in proximity to the president and Air Force One," Sergeant Locke said. "We swept all luggages for all personnel getting back on the aircraft before it took off, and we also swept all transportation from the hotel to Air Force One."

Sergeant Locke said he was responsible for making sure Devil performed, because the mission was a top priority.

"My job was to provide that detection capability for anything coming in," he said. "Though the regular security forces members were there to provide rear security to make sure no unauthorized persons came near the aircraft, I was there to provide anytime detection for any type of mission-essential equipment needed to get on the aircraft to accomplish the mission before departure."

Sergeant Locke credits his training here with preparing him and Devil for the mission.

"We prepared very well for this (mission), because this is one of our missions here at Lajes (Field)," Sergeant Locke said. "We provided obstacle course and detection training to keep us proficient, because proficiency is a must. Our goal was to make sure that these dogs are going to perform their best when it comes to the protection of these dignitaries or personnel."

Since Lajes Field is a transition point for aircraft and personnel, Sergeant Locke has experiencef supporting dignitaries.

"I have done many of this type of (high-level visibility) detail; this is not the first one," he said. "I have provided security for presidents and vice presidents in the past, and (the) secretary of State."

Sergeant Locke said he enjoys being here and loves being a military working dog handler.

"That is why I joined (the Air Force)," the sergeant said. "The training we put into it paid off. It allows us to take these missions and recognize Lajes (Field) and the United States Air Force. We made a big impact (at the summit) and put a footprint that will allow the presidential team to say 'we're going to call Lajes (Field) again and again' for this type of mission."