210th RED HORSE SQUADRON
MISSION
To support combat air power worldwide, RED HORSE provides the Commander of Air Force Forces (COMAFFOR) a dedicated, flexible, airfield and base heavy construction and repair capability. RED HORSE also provides many special capabilities that allow the COMAFFOR to move and support missions as the air order of battle dictates. The standard RED HORSE capability consists of 404 personnel (engineers and support personnel) with approximately 1,000 short-tons of vehicles, heavy construction, and support equipment. This organic support allows the unit to operate independently for extended periods of time until normal supply channels are established. In addition to the standard capability, the RED HORSE special capabilities consist of approximately 2,200 short-tons, which can be tailored to meet specific construction and repair requirements. When operating in a higher threat, non-permissive environment outside a forward operating base or collocated operating base, the RED HORSE commander, in coordination with the area commander (i.e., combat arms land force commander), determines additional security requirements based on operational risk.
HISTORY
In 2010, the Air National Guard (ANG) civil engineering program expanded through the formation of the 210th RED HORSE Squadron (RHS) at Kirtland AFB, NM. The 210th RHS is a 125 person RHS.
A reorganization of the Air Force RED HORSE program in 2014 ended the affiliation of the active-duty RED HORSE units with the Guard and Reserve units. At that time the ANG ’s 210th RHS was reassigned to a new fourth ANG combined RHS consisting of the 210th RHS, 219th RHS, and 254th RHS to create a new complete squadron with the 219th RHS being the lead squadron. Each Squadron provides one-third of the manpower and equipment of the combined squadron.
OPERATIONS
In October 2015, the 210th RHS was one of three squadrons deployed as part of the 557th Expeditionary RED HORSE Squadron (ERHS). The mission of the 557th ERHS: support the warfighter. The 210th RHS completed several designs of airstrips at multiple locations in Jordan, Iraq, Qatar, United Arab Emirates.
Lt Col Thomas Benson, 210th RHS Commander said, “We had a lot of guys bouncing around in those multiple countries, building up airstrips that had not seen a lot of maintenance over the years and getting them back into operational capacity, to building lodging and food distribution points, to wiring several buildings, to well drilling operations.”
In May 2020, the 210th RHS stood up their command center and coordinated more than 200 Airmen in support of the New Mexico Joint Task Force state mission during the COVID-19 pandemic. “In under 10 hours from when we were notified, we got orders cut and ready for over 54 RED HORSE Airmen so that they can electronically certify them and get paid on time while still supporting the mission,” said Tech Sgt Sharon Westerhold.
“One day we sent a delivery of personal protective equipment to Gallup, NM, for the locals to have to protect themselves, as well as taking a 6,000-gallon water tanker to the Oñate Chapter House to deliver water to the people up there,” said Master Sgt Jason Proctor from the 210th RHS. “When we are not on missions, we are still training and keeping current on our readiness,” he added.
In April 2021, the unit partially deployed again to Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar as part of the 557th Expeditionary Red Horse Squadron.
In August 2021, the 210th RED HORSE Squadron (RHS) trained at March Air Reserve Base with the 150th Civil Engineering Squadron and 202nd RHS. “Bare Base Training” is a unique opportunity to not only get ready in case of a military need but also an opportunity to keep building a strong bond within the unit.”
Unit Patch
LINEAGE
2010, 210th RED HORSE Squadron, established
STATIONS
Kirtland AFB, New Mexico
ASIGNMENTS
HQ New Mexico Air National Guard
HONORS
The 210th RED HORSE Squadron Commander Dies While Deployed to Qatar in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, the Defense Department announced.
Lt Col James C Willis, 55, of Albuquerque, NM, was found dead at 7:30 a.m. June 26, 2021 at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, according to a US Air Forces Central news release. The noncombat-related incident is under investigation.