Multiple K9 units from local, state and federal agencies engaged in several types of training exercises aboard the JOHN W BROWN on Monday morning. There were explosives searches on the forward deck and other searches for 'narcotics' on the rear deck. The officers and their dogs worked on different drills and scenarios below deck, also. We were happy to be able to capture some of the action. The ship is multi-functional and can be used for different purposes.
The day started early with officers from multiple jurisdictions arriving for their briefings. They looked over different areas of the ship and decided which would best suit their needs for the different exercises.
The forward deck was used for a search exercise. The dogs experienced a bouquet of scents they had not encountered before while searching for their target scent.
The team from Prince Georges Country brings the suits for the decoys on board. Several of the officers took turns being the decoy as part of the training.
Here is the officer and canine team waiting patiently for everything to be ready below.
The decoy is checked to make sure his suit is properly fastened. Can't have any accidents on the ship when our medical team is not on-board!
Then he is walked through the scenario by the training officers.
The BROWN's steep stairs are a good place to practice using a special harness. As impressively trained as these athletes are, they still are not 'ship/boat dogs' like our Jack who maneuvers around the ship like he owns it (and who, by the way is pouting and not speaking to us right now for allowing dogs on his ship without his permission)
It's showtime!
The dog must clear the hallway first and then find the decoy in the other room.
The decoy is flushed from his hiding place and 'escapes' down the passageway with the officer and canine in pursuit.
When the decoy is out of sight again the dog is taken off his lead to search again. There are lots of dark, out of the way places on the BROWN.
There is a moment to relax after a hard day's training.
It was a pleasure to have the different K9 units train aboard the BROWN. They were very gracious in letting me tag along on some of the exercises to take pictures. It was interesting and informative to be able to see them train.
Project Liberty Ship, Inc is a 501(c)3 non-profit, all volunteer organization engaged in the preservation and operation of the historic ship JOHN W. BROWN as a living memorial museum. Gifts to Project Liberty Ship are tax deductible.
