The Saigon Docks During the summer of 1965 it was recognized that the existing security for the port and docks located in Saigon was not keeping up with the ever increasing logistical shipments being off loaded and warehoused at the facilities. To improve the security mission being provided by Port Operations, in 1965 it was decided to utilized the expertise of the Military Police Corps and a separate Port Provost Marshal was added and took over responsibility for all military and civilian cargo security interest both on (ship) and off (docks) the water.

December Members of the 212th Scout Dog Unit assist the 92nd MP Battalion working shifts at the Newport [Saigon] Docks to aid in night security for military cargo of a sensitive nature awaiting transportation. Patrol teams of one dog handler and dog with one MP from the 92nd MP Battalion walk patrols of the docks in specific areas during the evening hours.

        Two teams, one MP from the 92nd MP Battalion, one MP from the 212th MP Company (Sentry Dog), and one K9 per team, alternate patrol duties in assigned areas of the Saigon Docks from 1800 hours [6:00 PM], to 0600 hours [6:00 AM]. The areas patrolled are traversed in an irregular pattern, concentrating on places where military cargo susceptible to theft is stored.

        The Saigon Docks presented problems which required dogs with characteristics of both sentry and scout dogs. K9’s King and Waco were the two dogs chosen for the demanding assignment because they were trained as Scout Dogs and also maintained the aggressive nature of a Sentry Dog.

        CPL Monte H. Eggers was assigned as the detachment Noncommissioned Officer in charge [NCOIC], of the unit. SP/4 Robert W. Felcher, and others yet identified, were assigned as dog handlers.

        During the first forty-eight days of operation, not a single theft was reported in areas where dogs were patrolling. One apprehension had occurred and three theft attempts were broken up since the program began.

January Three separate attempts of thefts involving a total of approximately twenty-one thieves were appregended as a direct result of the K9 patrols on the docks.

        It was estimated that the theft rate from the docks was cut by 75% since the addition of the detachment K9’s and handlers paired with the MP’s of the 92nd MP Battalion.

February-April The 212th MP Company continued to provide handlers and K9’s for physical security at the Saigon Docks.