The military’s only search and rescue dog has retired
Callie spent six years with the 123rd Special Tactics Squadron, logging 750 hours of flight time, rappelling out of helicopters, parachuting and helping airmen locate people in disaster zones.
Nicholas Slayton
Published May 11, 2025 1:27 PM EDT
A Dutch Shepherd dog, wearing a military camouflage vest and a red beret, walks on a leash.
Callie, the military's only dog certified in search and rescue operations, at her retirement ceremony wearing an Air Force pararescue beret. U.S. Air National Guard photos by Dale Greer
The Air Force’s search and rescue field is losing a veteran service member. A decorated member of the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Special Tactics Squadron, Callie retired after six years of service. Yes, Callie is a dog. A dog with years of experiennoce and several deployments.
Callie quietly retired earlier this year, but the Air National Guard released more details on the dog’s service and farewell ceremony this weekend. Callie, a Dutch Shepherd, helped locate deceased people in disaster zones, assisted in clearing rubble, made 15 military free-fall jumps and accumulated 750 flight hours while serving with the 123rd Special Tactics Squadron. During those years, Callie was the military’s only certified search and rescue canine. And yes, the dog has its own beret.
https://taskandpurpose.com/military-life/military-search-and-rescue-dog-callie/
