A special send-off for a loyal 'serviceman' took place at a Suffolk air base, after the retirement of a much-loved military working dog Luc.

Eastern Daily Press: Joanne Montgomery, wife of Tech Sgt Daniel Montgomery, 100th Security Forces Squadron trainer, and new forever-owner of Military Working Dog Luc, gives him an affectionate tickle under the chin as the poem, Guardians of the Night is read at his retirement ceremony at RAF Mildenhall, EnglandJoanne Montgomery, wife of Tech Sgt Daniel Montgomery, 100th Security Forces Squadron trainer, and new forever-owner of Military Working Dog Luc, gives him an affectionate tickle under the chin as the poem, Guardians of the Night is read at his retirement ceremony at RAF Mildenhall, England (Image: Archant)

The long-serving member of the US Air Force 100th Security Forces Squadron at RAF Mildenhall switched his government-issued collar and leash for a blue 'civilian' equivalent at his retirement ceremony.

The canine had become much-loved at the military base after he served seven-and-a-half years - or 50 'dog years' - in Suffolk.

Trained in the USA, Luc amassed 19,000 working hours in England - 6,000 hours of which were explosive detection.

He had a bad start in life, with his first handler kicked out of the USAF for mistreating him, but Luc went on to serve his handlers well.

Eastern Daily Press: A special dog-food cake was made for Luc, former military working dog with the 100th Security Forces Squadron, for his retirement ceremony at RAF Mildenhall, England. Luc has served seven-and-a-half years with the U.S. Air Force and has been adopted by the family who are part of his former squadron.A special dog-food cake was made for Luc, former military working dog with the 100th Security Forces Squadron, for his retirement ceremony at RAF Mildenhall, England. Luc has served seven-and-a-half years with the U.S. Air Force and has been adopted by the family who are part of his former squadron. (Image: Archant)

Now he is retired, Luc is living with the family of a current serviceman.

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