307th RED HORSE Squadron

 MISSION
The RED HORSE mission is 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 July 1971, the 307th RED HORSE Squadron (RHS) was originally organized as the 307th Civil Engineering Squadron (Heavy Repair) (CES(HR) located at Ellington AFB, TX.  It’s sister unit the 308th Civil Engineering Flight (Heavy Repair), was also organized that same year but located at Barksdale AFB, LA.  These were the first RED HORSE units assigned to the Air Force Reserve Command.  In the event of mobilization, both units would be merged, and the combination of both units would form the 307th CES(HR) (Wartime Configuration).  All Reserve and Air National Guard units have approximately 200 personnel assigned.

In March 1976, the 307th CES(HR) relocated to the East Kelly Annex at Kelly AFB, TX.  Closure actions at Kelly AFB in 2001 resulted in portions of Kelly  and East Kelly Annex being realigned to Lackland AFB.  The 308th remained at Barksdale but was redesignated 307th CES(HR) Detachment 1.

On February 23, 2006 – the 307th RHS at Kelly/Lackland AFB was inactivated/redesignated to the 556th RHS and subsequently moved to Hurlburt Field to link up with the 823rd RHS under a new management structure for AFRC RHS.  The 556th RHS officially moved October 1, 2008 from Lackland AFB, TX, to its new home at Hurlburt Field, FL.  There, the unit is partned with Hurlburt’s active duty 823rd RHS under a total force integration initiative.  As a result of the move, there were approximately 150 of the new 556th RHS members who didn’t want to or were unable to relocate.  The 556th has subsequently fully stood up to support RED HORSE missions.

OPERATIONS
Between July and August 1988, the 307th Civil Engineering Squadron (Red Horse) deployed with more than 300 tons of equipment to Honduras.  The humanitarian project was requested by Honduran civil and military officials through the American military organization at Palmerola, Joint Task Force Bravo, with Southern Command approval.

In the spring and summer of 1992, the 307th RED HORSE Civil Engineering Squadron planned, coordinated and executed a six-month engineering exercise to the Republic of Panama in support of JCS Exercise Fuertes Caminos-92.  The effort involved 820 RED HORSE, Prime BEEF, Prime RIBS, medical personnel and security police personnel from 12 Air Force Reserve locations. Civil engineers completed major facility repairs on 20 schools and four clinics and repaired or replaced 169 water well pumps throughout Panama.

In both 1999 and 2000, the 307th RHS deployed to Central America to drill several water wells and provide medical assistance as part of the New Horizons humanitarian exercise.

In 2003, the 307th RHS deployed to Southwest Asia in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. It was assigned to the 610th Regional Support Group, Air Force Reserve Command.

In Jan 2005, the 307th RHS constructed a forward operating base dubbed Camp Andersen Peters at Camp Bullis, just north of San Antonio, TX, by working seven days a week, 12 hours a day.  Instead of a civilian contractor being hired for the job, the 307th RHS was selected due to speed and less red tape.  The facility serves as a training site for deploying personnel and includes cadre quarters, classrooms, a dining facility, showers, latrines, and barracks.

UNIT PATCH

LINEAGE
17 Jun 1971 – Established 307 Civil Engineering Squadron, Heavy Repair
1 Jul 1971 – Activated
15Sep1988 – Redesignated307CivilEngineeringSquadron,REDHORSE
1 Mar 1989 – Redesignated 307 RED HORSE Civil Engineering Squadron
1 Mar 1994 – Redesignated 307 RED HORSE Squadron
23 Feb 2006 – Redesignated 556 RED HORSE Squadron

STATIONS
1 Jul 1971 – Ellington AFB, TX
Mar 1976 – Relocated to the East Kelly Annex at Kelly AFB/Lackland AFB TX.

ASSIGNMENTS
1 Jul 1971 – Central Air Force Reserve Region
8 Oct 1976 – Air Force Reserve
15 Aug 1979 – Tenth Air Force
1 Aug 1992 – Air Force Reserve
1 Jan 1995 – 610 Regional Support Group
1 Oct 2012 – 622 Civil Engineer Group

Activation Order