Military Working Dog Dani A248 was formally retired from duty at Vandenberg Space Force Base on September 26, 2025. The retiring ceremony marked the end of seven years in the U.S. Air Force, during which he supported base security, deployment operations, and specialized protection missions.
According to the Vandenberg Space Force Base, Dani was adopted by Tiffany Core, one of his former handlers who worked with him early in his career.
Dani A248 was whelped on October 22, 2016 and entered the Military Working Dog training program on February 20, 2018, according to a post shared by the United States War Dogs Association on Facebook. He completed training later that year, graduating on December 6 as a Patrol Explosive Detection Dog (PEDD). After that, he was assigned to what was then Vandenberg Air Force Base.
Dani A248 served with the 30th Security Forces Squadron, helping protect more than 108,000 acres of base property, a population of roughly 11,000 people, and about $8.4 billion in Department of Defense and commercial space launch assets each day.
Besides this, Dani A248 also supported 17 U.S. Secret Service missions, including protection assignments for the president, the vice president, the joint chiefs of staff, and visiting foreign dignitaries.
Dani A248 and Core participated in a canine competition for explosives and patrol work, earning first place in explosive detection and obedience.
The pair completed four U.S. Secret Service missions and one deployment in support of Operation Inherent Resolve and Operation Continuing Resolute. Core later returned to adopt Dani A248 at the end of his service.
He is now retired and living with Core, following the tradition of many military working dogs being adopted by their former handlers.
Dogs in Military Service
According to the U.S. Department of Defense, the military’s K-9 Corps was officially established in 1942. At present, about 1,600 military dogs serve in roles that support missions on land, in the air, and at sea.
Each dog in the army is trained for a specific purpose and has an important role in providing national security. The military dogs undergo environmental training, preparing for the sights, sounds, and movements they could face during the missions.