K-9s, handlers to receive new home

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Alex Martinez
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  The 39th Security Forces Squadron K-9 section is preparing to move out of its current, outdated building into a new facility in mid-September.

Tech. Sgt. Daniel Magas, the 39th SFS K-9 section kennel master, and his support team of dog trainers, handlers and facility maintainers are putting the final touches on its plans to transfer to the new and spacious facility; a move that Sergeant Magas said is long overdue.

"The dogs have been in this facility since 1961," Sergeant Magas said. "That's way too long. It's time to get the dogs in a nice facility that will serve them well. Their housing will be 10 times better."

The current operations facility is outfitted with out-of-date accommodations. Staff workers have to perform their daily desk duties steps away from dog kennels. The current kennels are small and lined with tiles that prove difficult to clean.

The old facility is still operational; however, improving the dogs' quality of life is the number one priority according to many dog handlers.

"Moving to the new facility is a great opportunity for the dogs to experience a high-quality facility," said Staff Sgt. Theo Blue, a 39th SFS K-9 handler.

"The move is going to be great," added Staff Sgt. Tanya Martinez, a 39th SFS K-9 handler. "The new facility is going to be a lot cleaner for us and the dogs."

The new facility is about six times larger than the existing facility. Staff members will have more office space located away from the dogs. There are 17 large dog kennels that are easier to clean, more private for the dogs and have access to an outdoor area. The facility also has a new outdoor dog training obstacle course.

"The welfare of the dogs is going to improve tremendously and their quality of life is going to go through the roof," Sergeant Magas said.

When the new location is operational, an official ribbon cutting will take place. More information will be announced when the opening date is final.