341st SFS K-9 team enhances explosive detection readiness with interagency partners

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Tony Rivera-Cruz, 341st Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler, conducts explosive detection training alongside Liza, a 341st SFS explosive detection dog, at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana, July 27, 2026. The 341st SFS Military Working Dog section employs specialized K-9 teams to detect explosives, conduct security sweeps of vehicles, facilities and aircraft, and support installation security, force protection and contingency operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Teniya Caldwell)

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341st SFS K-9 team enhances explosive detection readiness with interagency partners

Jennifer Nickisch, National Institutes of Health master patrol officer, conducts explosive detection training alongside Jack, a National Institutes of Health explosive detection dog, at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana, July 27, 2026. Participating agencies employed a variety of working dog breeds trained for different operational missions, allowing handlers to compare training methods while improving explosive detection proficiency. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Teniya Caldwell)

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341st SFS K-9 team enhances explosive detection readiness with interagency partners

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Tony Rivera-Cruz, 341st Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler, conducts explosive detection training alongside Liza, a 341st SFS explosive detection dog, at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana, July 27, 2026. The training strengthens the partnership between handlers and their K-9s by improving communication, reinforcing detection skills and building the confidence needed to perform during real-world security operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Teniya Caldwell)

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341st SFS K-9 team enhances explosive detection readiness with interagency partners

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Tony Rivera-Cruz, 341st Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler, conducts explosive detection training alongside Liza, a 341st SFS explosive detection dog, at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana, July 27, 2026. The 341st SFS hosted the event to provide partner agencies access to explosive detection scenarios not commonly available during routine training while encouraging collaboration among handlers. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Teniya Caldwell)

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341st SFS K-9 team enhances explosive detection readiness with interagency partners

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Tony Rivera-Cruz, 341st Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler, rewards Liza, a 341st SFS explosive detection dog, with a toy during explosive detection training at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana, July 27, 2026. Handlers use toys and praise to reinforce successful detections, strengthening the consistency and confidence dogs need for operational missions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Teniya Caldwell)

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341st SFS K-9 team enhances explosive detection readiness with interagency partners

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Spencer Jalali, 341st Security Forces Squadron military working dog trainer, speaks with Sgt. Richard Zitzka, University of Montana explosive detection dog handler, during explosive detection training at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana, July 27, 2026. The 341st SFS coordinated training with the University of Montana Police Department, Montana Highway Patrol, Flathead County law enforcement and the National Institutes of Health to improve coordination, interoperability and readiness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Teniya Caldwell)

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341st SFS K-9 team enhances explosive detection readiness with interagency partners

Michael Skinner, Flathead County explosive detection dog handler, conducts explosive detection training alongside Sherlock, a Flathead County explosive detection dog at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana, July 27, 2026. The exercise brought together military and civilian K-9 teams to improve explosive detection capabilities, strengthen interagency partnerships and exchange detection techniques using a wider range of explosive training aids. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Teniya Caldwell)

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341st SFS K-9 team enhances explosive detection readiness with interagency partners

Published July 29, 2026
By Senior Airman Teniya Caldwell
341st Missile Wing Public Affairs

MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Tony Rivera-Cruz, 341st Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler, conducts explosive detection training alongside Liza, a 341st SFS explosive detection dog, at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana, July 27, 2026. The 341st SFS Military Working Dog section employs specialized K-9 teams to detect explosives, conduct security sweeps of vehicles, facilities and aircraft, and support installation security, force protection and contingency operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Teniya Caldwell)