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ABOUT 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.