US COAST GUARD Retirement ceremony

ALAMEDA, Calif. (Oct. 2, 2008) - Petty Officer Sandor Csitar pets his partner "Hawk" during a retirement ceremony held on Coast Guard Island today. "Hawk" was retired from service as an explosives detection dog with Maritime Safety and Security Team San Francisco. Csitar and "Hawk" have been partners for almost four years, during which they have responded to vehicle accidents, several potential bomb threats, and provided security for many government officials. "Hawk" was retired due to a spinal defect and a tumor that had been aggravated by the work he did. During the emotional ceremony, "Hawk" was promoted to Chief, and received the Commendation medal for his work. Due to the severity of "Hawk's" medical issues, he was put to sleep on October 3. (U.S. Coast Guard photo/ Petty Officer Kevin J. Neff)