1erhgnewsletterdec09.. - Red Horse Association

Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron Engineers [RED HORSE]
Civil Engineering REDHORSE units are trained and equipped to make heavy repairs, upgrade airfields and
facili-ties, and support weapons systems deployment to theaters of operations.
In Southwest Asia, PRIME BEEF teams filled a need for short term construction capabilities. However, the
Air Force needed a stable and longer term heavy repair capability. The response was to organize two 400 man (12
offi-cers and 388 airmen) Heavy Repair Squadrons. These units, the 555th (Triple Nickel) and the 554th (Penny
Short) Civil Engineering Squadrons were then activated in October 1965. After nine weeks of training at Cannon
Air Force Base, New Mexico, the 555th was deployed to Cam Ranh Bay Air Base and the 554th to Phan Rang Air
Base in Vietnam.
Upon arrival in Vietnam, REDHORSE squadrons repaired aluminum matting runways, drilled wells to obtain
pota-ble water, quarried and crushed stone for roads and runways, repaired mortar damage caused by enemy
attacks, constructed and upgraded operational facilities and housing, erected aircraft revetments, and installed
aircraft ar-resting barriers and airfield lighting systems. By 1967, six REDHORSE squadrons had been trained,
organized, and deployed to Southeast Asia - five to South Vietnam and one to Thailand. At the peak of their activity,
RED-HORSE total strength reached 2,400 military and more than 6,000 (Vietnamese and Thai) nationals.
REDHORSE squadrons also had a combat capability that was frequently used. REDHORSE Combat Defense
Teams were often called upon to man defensive positions. In addition to their military duties, many team
members were active in the Civic Action Program during their off duty hours. Materials not used or unfit for use on
base pro-jects were given to the local population and volunteers frequently worked with Vietnamese nationals to
complete various building projects. REDHORSE volunteers helped to rebuild homes damaged by fire, weather, or
war and also worked at refugee camps, orphanages, and local schools to improve the quality of life for Vietnamese
civilians.
Today, RED HORSE units continue to provide the Air Force with a highly mobile civil engineering response
force to support contingency and special operations worldwide. They remain self sufficient, mobile units capable of
rapid response and independent operations in remote, high-threat environments worldwide. They provide heavy
repair capability and construction support when requirements exceed normal base civil engineer capabilities and
where Army engineer support is not readily available. They accomplish major airfield construction and repair work
in for-ward locations requiring an organic logistics capability, including vehicle maintenance, food service, supply,
and logistics plans.
“COMMANDER’S CORNER”
Friends, Families and Fellow HORSEMEN,
Greetings. Isn‘t it a great day to be an American Airman! It has been another action-packed month as our
warriors continue to provide world-class service to the combined-joint team. During our travels, Chief Litke and I continue
to be humbled and impressed with you, our Airmen and your accomplishments. Without exception, the feedback
from those you are supporting (Army, Marines, Navy, and Air Force leadership of all ranks) is outstanding. Time and
again we have heard ―we didn‘t know the Air Force had anything like the HORSE. Can you stay and do more?‖ The
work is hard and the conditions extreme but your spirits remain high. There is a lot more work in the pipeline. Good
work that only the HORSE can accomplish. Our planners, engineers, and logisticians are making tremendous strides in
keeping the HORSE fed—ensuring that the next project is teed up ready. Some of these projects will take many of us
to new and different locations. Remember, we are a nomadic organization and go to where our services are most
needed. But for now, as it is the season for giving thanks, let me again thank you, your families, and your friends for
the continued service and sacrifice. Each of you can take great pride in the contributions you are making to the overall
mission success.
TO THE HORSE!
Douglas K. Tucker
Commander