RED HORSE

• Origin of the Name: The name RED HORSE stands for Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron Engineers, highlighting their rapid deployment and engineering capabilities. • Vietnam War Roots: The first RED HORSE squadrons were activated in 1966 during the Vietnam War to provide heavy construction and engineering support in austere environments. • Distinctive Red Hats: RED HORSE personnel are known for their signature red hats, which help distinguish them on job sites and are a source of pride and identity. • Wide Range of Skills: Members are trained in over 50 specialties, including carpentry, electrical work, plumbing, heavy equipment operation, and explosives demolition. • Global Deployments: RED HORSE units have deployed worldwide, including to Iraq, Afghanistan, Honduras, and the Philippines, providing construction, airfield repair, and disaster relief. • Disaster Response: RED HORSE has played key roles in humanitarian missions, such as rebuilding after Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines in 2013. • Self-Sufficiency: RED HORSE squadrons are designed to be self-sufficient, bringing their own vehicles, equipment, and even food and water purification systems to remote locations. • Airfield Construction: They are renowned for rapidly constructing and repairing runways, sometimes building operational airstrips in less than 72 hours. • Cold War Missions: During the Cold War, RED HORSE helped build and upgrade air bases in strategic locations like Alaska and Greenland to support deterrence operations. • Civilian Collaboration: RED HORSE has worked with local contractors and international partners, fostering goodwill and sharing expertise in both military and humanitarian projects.