When you hear Charlie barking and the bright smiles it generates among the soldiers, marines and sailors around, you know that the Australian Amphibious Force's on-board HMAS Canberra favourite asset is nearby.
Charlie, an explosive detection dog with the 3rd Combat Engineer Regiment, and his handler Sapper Brandon Subloo, have embarked Canberra for Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025. It is the first time the pair have been on board a warship and they are excited to be here.
"I'm really liking it on a ship and it's really nice how happy people are to see a dog and how we can bring up the mood by just walking around," Sapper Subloo said.
He and Charlie have the opportunity to work domestically and internationally to support the ADF and civilian agencies in detection of improvised explosive devices and unexploded ordnance.
"Basically, we are a rapid and independent capability that attaches to help engineers and the infantry in expedited searches of areas, buildings, routes and vehicles," he said.
For Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025, Charlie and Sapper Subloo are participating in amphibious assault operations in the Cowley Beach Training Area in Queensland to clear unexploded ordnance for the successive waves of Australian troops and Japanese marines.
Charlie and Sapper Subloo have been together for two years; Charlie will retire from service at the end of the year and his handler will receive a new partner.
'I was a normal combat engineer before I specialised as a dog handler. It took me two years, and it was the best thing I ever did.'
The good news is that Charlie will enjoy retirement at home with Sapper Subloo.
Reflecting on the totality of his time in Army, Sapper Subloo said being a dog handler was the pinnacle.
"I was a normal combat engineer before I specialised as a dog handler. It took me two years, and it was the best thing I ever did," he said.
"I don't think a lot of people realise you spend every living moment with your dog in this role, and when you're having a bad day your dog is always there for you to bring your mood up.
"It will be a challenge having a new dog. But it will also be rewarding as there's something new every day which I like."
For training dogs, Sapper Subloo recommends mealtime as the dogs are hungry and they will do what they can for rewards.
But on Canberra, the question everyone has been asking is: where does Charlie go to the bathroom?
"Charlie has a spot on the forecastle, on command, on a little mat," Sapper Subloo explained, adding that he was also responsible for carrying all of Charlie's food, water and first aid kit.
Sapper Subloo wryly commented that no one remembered his name, only Charlie's, but he was not bothered as long as the pair could help with morale for everyone on board Canberra.
