Benga a Military dog, retires from NAS Jacksonville

Benga will receive the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – On Wednesday, Naval Air Station Jacksonville is hosting a retirement ceremony for Chief Master-at-Arms Military Working Dog (MWD) Benga. According to NAS JAX, Commanding Officer Capt. During the ceremony, Jeff Hill will present Benga with the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal.

Benga currently acts as an explosive detector dog for the NAS JAX Security Department, where they conduct various random anti-terrorism actions and command authorized inspections. In August 2015, Benga’s military service began when he was recruited to work at the Lackland Air Force Base and enlisted in the Patrol and Explosive Detection program.

After succeeding in his courses, he was certified in detection training in December 2015 and patrol training in April 2016 by the 341st Training Squadron.

In June 2016, Benga was stationed at NAS Key West after graduation, where he trained alongside many MWD handlers to sharpen his skills.

Benga came to NAS Jax in May 2018 after working two years in Key West. During his career trajectory, he attended redeployment training and worked countless numbers of Secret Service missions.