Vandenberg Space Force Base has been the site of dozens of historic rocket launches in recent years. But this week, the California installation marked a different kind of milestone, one that tugged at heartstrings: the retirement of a military working dog.
Meet Kiru, the military working dog who served at Vandenberg for seven years, protecting the base and supporting security operations. The announcement was shared on social media, where officials honored his years of service and dedication.
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Kiru will now live with his former handler, Staff Sgt. Cassidy Hunt, a military working dog trainer with the 30th Security Forces Squadron.
Over the course of his career, Kiru supported 17 missions with the United States Secret Service, assisting with security operations for the president, vice president, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and visiting foreign dignitaries. He also completed a deployment to Djibouti in support of Operation Enduring Freedom–Horn of Africa.
“Thank you for your service, Kiru. Enjoy your retirement!” the base wrote in its social media tribute.
Like all U.S. military service members, Kiru was honored with a formal retirement ceremony recognizing his years of duty.
