III MIG Military Dog Handlers say goodbye to their furry friends [Image 3 of 4]

CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, JAPAN

08.17.2021

Photo by Lance Cpl. Manuel Alvarado 

III MEF Information Group     

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Levi M. Smith, a military working dog (MWD) handler and his MWD, Eddie, with 3D Law Enforcement Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group (MIG), pose for a photo on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 17, 2021. Due to the Marine Corps Commandant’s Force Design for 2030 and the deactivation of 3rd Law Enforcement Battalion coming this October, Smith and Eddie are soon leaving Okinawa, going their separate ways. “He’s been with me on two deployments with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. I had to carry him through the ship because as soon as his four feet hit the ground he would try to urinate,” Smith laughed. “It’s honestly pretty sad to see it come to an end.” After they go separate ways, Smith, who plans to reenlist, has goals to become an MWD handler with Marine Special Operations Command. “It’s kind of like the saying, ‘If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life,’” said Smith. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Manuel Alvarado)

• Date Taken: 08.17.2021
• Date Posted: 08.18.2021 19:01
• Photo ID: 6787415
• VIRIN: 210817-M-YJ953-1068
• Resolution: 4933x3289
• Size: 863.38 KB
• Location: CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, JP
• Hometown: LANSING, MI, US