MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Marines from the Provost Marshal’s Office K-9 unit and sailors from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25, Detachment 6, conducted training aboard an MH-60 Sierra helicopter the evening of Dec. 22.The exercise’s main purpose was to give the German shepherd working dogs a feel for the noise and movement of a helicopter, which they may encounter during future deployments.During the exercise, Marines practiced loading and unloading the dogs as well as setting up security around the helicopter’s perimeter. The handlers and their canines would quickly dismount the chopper and assume a defensive position. The helicopter would take off, circle around and land, at which point the Marines would quickly load again.Cpl. Stephen A. Davis, a PMO working dog handler and Hendersonville, N.C., native, said he felt the dogs adapted well to the exercise despite their limited experience around the aircraft.“They did very well,” Davis said. “At first (the dogs) were scared, but they overcame that and got used to the helo taking off. By the end, they were getting on and off like it was nothing.”The exercise was also an opportunity to practice valuable lifesaving skills. The handlers performed drills in which they dismounted the helicopter, rescued a Marine who simulated being wounded and quickly loaded him.“That was good preparation,” said Davis. “You never know, you may have someone get hit and you have to get him to a helo.”For several Marines, the exercise was their first time in a helicopter.“It prepared me to understand what I need to do in this kind of situation as far as dismounting, how to strap in and which direction to go,” said Lance Cpl. Harold S. Brice, PMO correctional specialist and Preston, Md., native. “It was exciting and motivating … It makes you want to come out and do this kind of training more often.”