Stratic Air Command - 11th CDS K-9 Section Altus AFB Altus Oklahoma 366 SPS K-9 Da Nang Vietnam 1965

• Strategic Air Command (SAC) Presence at Altus AFB: The 11th Combat Defense Squadron (CDS) K-9 Section at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, was part of SAC’s vital mission of safeguarding nuclear assets and strategic bombers during the Cold War. • K-9 Handlers and Their Partners: The K-9 teams consisted of specially trained Security Police handlers and their military working dogs, forming a unique bond that was crucial for base security operations. • Role in Nuclear Security: The 11th CDS K-9 Section played a key role in patrolling weapons storage areas, flightlines, and other sensitive locations at Altus AFB, deterring intrusions and responding rapidly to threats. • Transition to Vietnam: In 1965, many members of the 11th CDS K-9 Section volunteered or were ordered to deploy to Southeast Asia, specifically to support the 366th Security Police Squadron (SPS) at Da Nang Air Base, South Vietnam. • 366th SPS K-9 Unit at Da Nang: The 366th SPS K-9 Section was instrumental in defending Da Nang Air Base, one of the most attacked U.S. air bases during the Vietnam War, particularly from 1965 onwards. • First USAF K-9 Combat Deployments: The deployment of K-9 teams from Altus and other bases to Vietnam marked one of the first major uses of military working dogs by the USAF in a combat environment. • Night Patrols and Early Warning: K-9 teams provided early warning of enemy infiltrations by Viet Cong sappers, often detecting movement long before human sentries could, saving countless lives and resources. • Dogs in the Line of Fire: Both handlers and dogs faced live combat. Many military working dogs were wounded or killed in action, and their bravery is commemorated by their handlers and veterans' organizations. • Famous K-9s and Handlers: Stories abound of specific dogs—such as “King,” “Rex,” and “Duke”—and their handlers who became legends among the Air Force Security Police community for acts of heroism and devotion. • Legacy and Commemoration: The service of the 11th CDS at Altus and the 366th SPS K-9 teams at Da Nang is honored by the Vietnam Security Police Association, which preserves their stories and the legacy of their dedication.