November 3, 2015 -- Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany officials broke ground on an estimated $600,000 renovation project for the Corporal Dustin Jerome Lee Kennel, Nov. 2.
The additions will include a new veterinarian room, offices for the kennel master and training officer as well as a conference room/break room.
Randy Jack, police chief, Marine Corps Police Department, MCLB Albany, said the construction will enhance the operating efficiency of the kennel.
“We have been short of space at the kennel for a long time,” Jacks said. “This construction project is going to (give) the dog handlers and the dogs themselves the proper space they need.
“I am very proud of our kennels and everyone that works here Jack continued. “They are recognized as among the finest in the Marine Corps.”
Lt. Eric Brown, kennel master, Marine Corps Police Department, MCLB Albany, estimated the renovation will take a year to complete.
“This will also make us compliant with Marine Corps Order 5585.5, Marine Corps Military Working Dog Manual, which states the kennel should have these designated areas,” Brown said.
According to the order, the office will allow the kennel master more space to document the overall management of the military working dog section operations.
The order further states the kennel master is responsible for ensuring the military working dog teams are trained, validated, operationally ready and properly equipped to provide anti-terrorism/force protection measures for the installation.
The kennel master noted the most important and much needed addition is the veterinarian room.
“The veterinarian room will serve as a place to quarantine a military working dog if he or she has a medical issue,” Brown said. “The dogs will be treated by the staff until a veterinarian from Fort Benning, Georgia, arrives.”
Periodically, the veterinarians will use the room to conduct routine examinations and treat military working dogs, he added.
Brown, who has worked at the kennel for more than seven years, said the new offices are a welcome addition.
“The kennel master office serves as the nerve center for the complex,” he said. “The kennel master (ensures) all training and validations are (complete) for the K-9 section as well as the daily work schedule.”
Brown said the training officer will use the new office to organize military working dog training for the MWD teams to ensure they are ready to protect the installation.
The current offices, occupied by the kennel master, will be converted into a room for the dog handlers.
According to Brown, this is the facility’s first renovation since it was built in 2004.