ME1 Alaina Whitaker is a Maritime Enforcement Specialist in the U.S. Coast Guard. She is also a K9 Handler, working with her explosive detection K9 Ultra to protect New York City, as well as working at special events throughout the country.

The U.S. Coast Guard K9 unit consists of 18 highly trained, specialized explosive detection dog teams assigned to Maritime Security Response Teams (MSRTs) and maritime safety teams, focusing on maritime homeland security. These canine teams are capable of vertical delivery, deploying via helicopter hoist onto vessels. They detect explosives, participate in counterterrorism missions, and train frequently at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland to maintain proficiency.

Key details about the U.S. Coast Guard K9 program include:

• Specialization: Dogs are trained specifically for explosive detection to support maritime security.
• Deployment Capabilities: These elite units can deploy from helicopters to vessels for high-risk boardings and operations.
• Units and Locations: 18 handler/dog teams are stationed across the country, including MSRT East and West, as well as Maritime Safety and Security Team Houston.
• Training and Certification: Dogs undergo rigorous training at Joint Base San Antonio Lackland. They also participate in joint training with air stations and cutters.
• Mission Focus: Following 9/11, the focus shifted to explosive detection, protecting against CBRNE (chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive) threats.

The teams often work in collaboration with local, state, and federal partners and are, for example, used to secure major events like the Super Bowl.

Instagram: @k9_ultra_uscg

Instagram: @shootlikeagirlpodcast

shootlikeagirlpodast.com

Contact: shootlikeagirlpodcast@gmail.com

Staff Sergeant Julianne Jackson grew up in Mississippi and attended Mississippi State University before deciding to take a very different path—enlisting in the U.S. Army. She is an 11B Infantryman. She’s served with the 82nd Airborne, successfully completed Ranger School, and now works as a Ranger Instructor with the 6th Ranger Training Battalion, helping train the next generation of leaders.

Outside of her role as an instructor, Julianne also volunteers at the reptile house, where she helps care for and work with various snakes and alligators.

This episode dives into her journey, her mindset, and what it really takes to succeed in some of the Army’s most demanding environments.

Instagram: ⁠@shootlikeagirlpodcast

Contact: shootlikeagirlpodcast@gmail.com

Amanda Ales is a Captain in the Royal Canadian Air Force and an Aerospace Engineering Officer specializing in space operations. Since joining in 2017, she’s focused her career on space, currently pursuing a Master’s in Physics and Space Science at the Royal Military College. With expertise in Space Domain Awareness, Amanda has trained globally and recently attended the prestigious ISU Space Studies Program co-hosted by NASA. As a Miss Universe Canada 2025 National Delegate, she’s passionate about promoting STEM and inspiring Canadians to reach for the stars.

Amanda’s Instagram: @amandaaales

Instagram: ⁠⁠@shootlikeagirlpodcast⁠

Contact: shootlikeagirlpodcast@gmail.com