Combat Assault Dog “Duco”, a Dutch Shepherd, was a multi-purpose US Army Special Operations Forces K9 that deployed during Operation Enduring Freedom. Duco could detect human odors specific to enemy combatants, numerous explosive compounds, and clear a structure searching out military aged males while bypassing children. He was trained to parachute jump tandem with his handler, be fast-roped out of a helicopter, and lead the way during infiltration missions to detect ambushes and IEDs.  He could switch from assault mode to detection during combat operations. In 2012, while conducting a nighttime raid on an enemy compound in Afghanistan, Duco and his handler, Rick Hogg, fell from their helicopter. Dropping approximately 30 feet, Rick was knocked unconscious but Duco appeared fine. Only years later did the fall seem to affect him, and he was retired from active duty. Rick adopted Duco and enjoyed his retirement years until cancer took him on July 5th, 2021.