ADF military working dog (MWD) gets first ride on RAAF P-8A Poseidon in Townsville

The range of ADF military working dogs to deploy into danger has increased after a successful trial aboard a P-8A Poseidon in Townsville.

Sergeant Tony Weiler, Leading Aircraftwoman Caitland Evans, Military Working Dog Xal, Flying Officer Shahree Hodge, Squadron Leader Shane Trott, Flying Officer Patrick Neill and Warrant Officer Andrew Ribbans in front of a P-8A Poseidon aircraft at RAAF Base Townsville. Picture: WOFF Andrew Ribbans

The range of Australian Defence Force military working dogs (MWD) to deploy into danger has increased after a successful trial aboard a P-8A Poseidon aircraft at RAAF Base Townsville.

An ADF spokesman said a fortuitous maintenance task allowed the Surveillance and Response Group (SRG), which operates the Poseidon, to test its ability to deploy Xal, a six-year-old belgian shepherd malinois, in a dog crate in the plane’s main cabin.

Civilian dogs are carried on aircraft regularly, but this is typically in a container within the cargo hold or baggage compartment.

Squadron Leader Shane Trott said Xal took the momentous occasion in his stride.

“He was less fuss to transport than most human passengers we carry,” the aircraft’s captain laughed

“He didn’t have any special meal requirements and never barked once throughout the entire flight.”

Military Working Dog Xal climbs on board a RAAF P-8A Poseidon aircraft at RAAF Base Townsville with 27SQN Kennel Manager Sergeant Tony Weiler. Picture: WOFF Andrew Ribbans

No. 27 Squadron (Townsville) Kennel Manager Sergeant Tony Weiler said he had used C-130J Hercules and C-27J Spartan aircraft to ferry dogs, but never a P-8A Poseidon.

“I’d heard a Poseidon would be flying back to RAAF Base Edinburgh (South Australia) around the same time I needed Xal there, and since my usual options were busy supporting other exercises I thought I’d ask if the P-8A could accommodate a dog crate.”

In a happy set of circumstances, 92 Wing was also keen to see if the No. 11 Squadron aircraft could transfer a working dog, so Sergeant Weiler set about finding a suitable crate.

“The usual models are too big for the P-8A, so (No. 11 Squadron Operations Flight Commander) Squadron Leader Michael Hardie arranged to loan a collapsible crate from the 1st Military Police Battalion.”

Squadron Leader Hardie said the safe transfer of Xal required expertise from Air Mobility Control Centre’s air load co-ordination team and No. 24 Squadron MWD handlers to test fit the crate.

The preparation paid off, with the P-8A’s first military working dog transfer appearing routine.

“After arriving at the aircraft, Xal simply climbed the steps with Sergeant Weiler and got into his crate,” Squadron Leader Hardie said.

“Xal’s flight proved that the P-8A Poseidon can be used to deploy dogs as part of an aircraft security team.”

Originally published as ADF military working dog (MWD) gets first ride on RAAF P-8A Poseidon in Townsville