USS Midway Museum, San Diego – June 18, 2025
More than a dozen explosive detection K-9 teams gathered aboard the USS Midway Museum June 18 to conduct a large-scale mass odor multi-agency training exercise designed to strengthen joint operational readiness and interagency communication.
Hosted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the quarterly event featured canine units from across Southern California, including the FBI, harbor police, U.S. Air Force explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) personnel from March Air Reserve Base, and U.S. Marine Corps handlers from Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego.
“Today, we’re supporting our local agencies at the TSA in San Diego, detecting explosives,” said Tech. Sgt. Eddie Castro, EOD technician assigned to March ARB. “We’re providing explosive scent samples to help the K-9s detect what they’re trained to find.”
The USS Midway, a decommissioned aircraft carrier turned public museum, provided a complex training environment with narrow passageways, stairwells, and active visitors, adding to the realism of the detection scenarios.
“We were running a dog as if there was a bomb placed on a shipped vessel,” Castro said. “The dogs were tracking and alerting—exactly what you want to see in real-world applications.”
Marine Corps Sgt. Solee Ibarra, kennel master for Headquarters and Services Battalion at MCRD San Diego, emphasized the unique benefits of the event.
“We don’t get to go off base too often,” Ibarra said. “So this gives the handlers an opportunity to train in a new environment and see how other agencies operate. It builds rapport and teaches new techniques.”
The day’s training scenarios included simulated bomb threats aboard harbor vessels and in multiple locations throughout the Midway, all designed to enhance coordination among agencies that often work together during emergencies.
“It’s important to do training like this so we can see each other’s capabilities and help each other out,” Castro said. “We work alongside each other pretty often, so it’s good to have that relationship already in place.”
Canine teams also support civilian entities during large events or emergencies. Ibarra noted that her Marines frequently assist the Secret Service during visits by high-level government officials.
“If San Diego PD or harbor police had a bomb threat downtown, we’d probably be one of the teams to assist,” she said. “We also send our handlers out with the Secret Service for VIP support—President, Vice President, First Lady.”
Joe Brown, TSA canine training instructor at San Diego International Airport, said the Air Force and Marine Corps support plays a critical role.
“They bring a capability we don’t have organically, and it’s so appreciated,” Brown said. “These partnerships make sure we can respond quickly and cover each other’s blind spots.”
Brown, who began his canine career in 2002 with the U.S. Air Force, now leads joint training efforts for TSA in Southern California.
“This is my dream job,” he said. “Every day is different. I get to work with dogs. I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.”
Ibarra agreed, with a smile. “Canine is the coolest thing ever. I’m definitely a little biased, but I think it’s a very unique opportunity. If people can support us—even just by spreading the word—it makes a difference.”
For the agencies and handlers involved, the message was clear: real-world readiness begins with partnership, practice, and a deep respect for the capabilities of man’s best friend.
| Date Taken: | 06.18.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 07.25.2025 11:43 |
| Story ID: | 542184 |
| Location: | SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 54 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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