Port Hueneme, California –
PORT HUENEME, Calif. — 19 FEB 2026 — Soldiers and security forces joined forces this month for an intensive canine medical and tactical training event designed to boost operational readiness and strengthen partnerships across military units.
Led by SSG Smith, Noncommissioned Officer in Charge of the Vandenberg Section Clinic, and Operations Sergeant SFC Donnell, the Port Hueneme Branch collaborated with the 30th Security Forces Group and regional kennels to deliver K9 Tactical Combat Casualty Care (K9TCCC) and tactical operational lanes to nine squads. The training focused on providing immediate, lifesaving care to Military Working Dogs (MWDs) in simulated high-threat environments, while maintaining tactical security and mission focus.
Participants navigated realistic combat scenarios that required squads to respond quickly to canine injuries, reinforcing both medical response capabilities and tactical proficiency. The hands-on lanes challenged teams to balance the demands of emergency care with the complexities of ongoing operations, mirroring the pressures faced in real-world missions.
The event not only increased combat readiness but also strengthened interoperability between veterinary assets and security forces, underscoring the importance of collaboration in maintaining mission success. Organizers say the training will have a lasting impact on the ability of military working dog teams to operate safely and effectively in contested environments.
As threats continue to evolve, joint training initiatives like this ensure that service members and their canine counterparts remain at the forefront of tactical and medical excellence. - Photo Credit: SSG Daniel Rodriguez