90 Security Forces Squadron Hosts Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for New K-9 Kennel

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Raegan Lockhart
  • 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs
F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. -- --  

The 90th Security Forces Squadron held an official ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Military Working Dog kennel on May 22.

The new facility will improve quality of life for 90 SFS MWDs and supports the 90th Missile Wings priorities to increase readiness and take care of its people, or in this case – its four-legged service members.

“The new kennel will exponentially improve the quality of life for our MWDs,” said Tech. Sgt. Andrew Arvizo, 90 SFS MWD section. “Each kennel is larger and has an attached doghouse – this gives the MWDs more room to move around in the kennel and a quiet place to isolate from other MWDs.”

In the previous facility, the individual kennels were facing one another, which often caused unnecessary anxiety and aggression in the animals that further led to behavioral disorders and injuries.

Other improvements include, high grip surfaced flooring, a veterinary exam room and a large isolation kennel – all of which will provide a healthier environment for the MWDs.

“I cannot overstate the importance of this facility opening for both our MWDs, the handlers and the kennel staff,” said Arvizo. “For our MWDs, it enhances their quality of life, health and wellbeing, and for our handlers, it will reduce their stress and foster stronger bonds with their K-9 partners.”

 The 90 SFS MWDs go through extensive training with their handlers to maintain their readiness and capability to complete intercontinental ballistic missile mission requirements – the new facility only increases their ability to do so.

“The kennel enables us to be fully operational day and night in order to provide explosive detection support and psychological deterrence to secure our nations most powerful strategic defense assets,” said Arvizo. “The enhanced safety features will reduce the risk of MWDs becoming sick or injured, increasing their time conducting the mission and reducing recovery time.”

The previous MWD facility was completed in 1952 and originally used for storage. In 1981 it became the headquarters for the MWD section. Over the years several upgrades and additions were necessary to make it suitable for the MWDs. Construction for the new kennel began in October 2023 and today the hard work put into the project has paid off as the MWDs are welcomed into their new home.