MILLINGTON, Tenn. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Desiree Finegan, a native of Albuquerque, New Mexico, reflects on the life-changing impact Military Working Dogs have on U.S. Navy missions.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jason Waite, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
“Military Working Dogs keep good order and discipline,” said Finegan. “Detection and patrol are important for law enforcement. Bomb dogs are important because they save lives. On deployments, if you have a dog, you know they will be a valuable asset to any mission you have.”
Finegan joined the Navy three and a half years ago and today serves as Biba’s handler.
"I joined the Navy a lot later in later in life," said Finegan. "I was a funeral director before and wanted a change. I also wanted to be a Military Working Dogs handler and have educational and travel opportunities. The Navy helped me earn my bachelor's degree."
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Albuquerque.
“I was exposed to a lot of law enforcement in Albuquerque,” said Finegan. “Seeing how they helped people inspired me to join.”
Today, Finegan serves as a master-at-arms.
From jumping out of planes to deploying at sea, Military Working Dogs have been serving the Armed Forces since 1942. Navy K-9 Handlers train Military Working Dogs to seek out enemies while on deployment and to be the first line of defense for their units. To maintain mission readiness, Military Working Dogs are trained year-round.
“My favorite part about this job is just getting to work with the dogs,” said Finegan. “All of them have their own personality. It is great being able to come to work every day and be with them. Being a master-at-arms is great but working with the dogs is the best thing.”
As a member of the Navy, Finegan is part of a world-class organization focused on maintaining maritime dominance, strengthening partnerships, increasing competitive warfighting capabilities and sustaining combat-ready forces in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“The Navy is important to national defense because our forward presence allows us to be anywhere at any time,” said Finegan. “That strategic positioning around the world also allows us to move equipment and troops efficiently.”
With 90 percent of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to trained sailors and a strong Navy.
Finegan and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest accomplishments in the Navy are becoming a dog handler and winning junior Sailor of the Year,” said Finegan. “I am proud of being a dog handler because that is what I wanted to do when I joined and I am proud of being Junior Sailor of the Year because of the accomplishments we’ve had like opening this kennel.”
As Finegan and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.“I think it is important to serve our country if you have the means to,” added Finegan. “Being in the military is not easy, but it is satisfying to be around the people here and to be a part of the culture. I am just proud to be here and I want to keep doing what I am doing.”