The US is doubling down on its futuristic hypersonic weapons program – We Are The Mighty

After nearly a year apart, it was an emotional moment when Air Force Staff Sgt. Amanda Cubbage of the 355th Security Forces Squadron atDavis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, and the military working dog she workedwith inSouth Koreawerereunited here August 8.

The dog, Rick, was flown in fromOsan Air Base, South Korea, after a lengthy adoption process.

Its [like] getting part of your heart back, Cubbage said.

Cubbage and Rick served together at Osan for 11 months. On duty, they conducted exercises, and bomb threat and security checks. Off duty, they were each others wingman.

Photo by Capt. Allie Payne

Being stationed in Korea unaccompanied, he was my support, Cubbage said. He was there for everything I needed. He was there when I was happy, he was there when I was sad. Everything I needed came from him.

As a military working dog handler, Cubbage has worked with several other dogs. She described parting ways as bittersweet.

Its just like having a kid moving off and going to college, she said. You still love your kid. Its just the fact that theyre growing up, theyre going out, and theyre doing other things.

Rick was different from the other dogs, Cubbage said. He instantly won her over with his headstrong personality.

US Air Force Staff Sgt. Amanda Cubbage, 355th Security Forces Squadron member, reunites with her recently retired military working dog, Rick, in Tucson, Ariz., August 8, 2017. Cubbage worked with Rick while she served as a MWD handler at Osan Air Base, South Korea. US Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Michael X. Beyer.

Ricks Retirement

After seven years of service, Rick was retired due to his age. Cubbage found out about the opportunity to adopt him from a fellow handler. And thats when I reached out to the American Humane Society, she said. They said, Absolutely, wed love to help out.'

Military working dogs are allowed to be adopted after retirement due to Robbys Law, which was passed by Congress in 2000. The adoption process can be long and drawn out, involving tedious paperwork, immunizations, and, in Ricks case, crossing the Pacific Ocean.

You sit there and you wait and wait, and you justcount downthe days,count downthe time, until youre reunited with him, Cubbage said.

Now that he is finally reunited with his companion, Rick will live a quiet life in retirement, filled with rest,relaxation, and plenty of treats.

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The US is doubling down on its futuristic hypersonic weapons program - We Are The Mighty