MILLINGTON, Tenn. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Julian Flanders, a native of Westborough, Massachusetts, 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 ensure the safeguarding of military personnel and assets,” said Flanders. “Their versatile capabilities allow us to accomplish a wide variety of missions.”
Flanders joined the Navy four and a half ago and today serves as Lio’s handler.
Flanders attended Westborough High School and graduated in 2008. Additionally, Flanders graduated from Suffolk University in 2013.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Westborough.
“I learned in my hometown the importance of hard work and working with others to achieve a goal,” said Flanders. “I learned that from playing hockey growing up. I also learned you have to work hard and struggle to get where you want to be. However, anything is possible if you keep being persistent.”
Today, Flanders serves as a master-at-arms.
From jumping out of planes to deploying at sea, MWDs have been serving the Armed Forces since 1942. Navy K-9 Handlers train MWDs to seek out enemies while on deployment and to be the first line of defense for their units. To maintain mission readiness, MWDs are trained year-round.
“My favorite part about being a Military Working Dog handler is the bond I formed with the dogs and the other handlers,” said Flanders. “I also enjoy the unique places I get to travel with my dog, like the Bahamas and Dubai.”
As a member of the Navy, Flanders 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 U.S. Navy represents the benchmark for what other countries' navies aspire to be,” said Flanders. “We have to continue to maintain that superiority to protect the country as a whole.”
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.
Flanders and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I am most proud of being a kennel supervisor during my time in Dubai because it was a big learning experience for me,” said Flanders.
As Flanders and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving in the Navy is a test of one's self and means striving to accomplish the goals of each day” added Flanders. “It also means growing within myself and the team around me because I am nothing without my team or my dog.”