557th 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
Immediately after the seizure of the USS Pueblo on 23 January 1968, the Air Force deployed several fighter squadrons to bases in Korea. The task was then to support these fighter squadrons. The 557th Civil Engineering Squadron (Heavy Repair) (CES(HR)) was activated on 5 February 1968, organized on 10 February 1968, and deployed to Osan AB, Korea, in April 1968 to assist in the buildup. The 557th CES(HR) had a permanent change of station to Osan AB effective 30 August 1968. The 557th CES(HR) was based at Osan, but had active detachments at Kwang-ju, Taegu, Kunsan, Suwon, and Kimpo. The 557th CES(HR) left Korea in 1969 and was stationed at Eglin AFB, FL, until its inactivation on 1 June 1972.
Nearly 33 years later, on 22 April 2005, the 557th Expeditionary RED HORSE Squadron (ERHS) was activated to be the unit designator for the units in place in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. On 1 May 2005, this historic event was actualized with the “passing of the colors” to Col Dewey Perkins, the first Commander of the 557th ERHS. The ceremony on 1 May 2005 encompassed progress, patches, and purple hearts. It was a day that personified the long commitment that RED HORSE has had to her nation. Ironically, it was an immediate threat, in support of the United States Army, that birthed the original 557th. In 2005 the same war situation resurrected the squadron again.
OPERATIONS
The 557th CES(HR) completed a significant number of projects while in Korea (1968-1969). The first task upon arrival, was to set up Harvest Eagle kits. Tents are the basic structure of these kits, with equipment to adapt them for use as latrines, kitchens or operational facilities. Eventually, the decision was made to use modular troop housing. Another top priority operational requirement was erection of BAK-12 aircraft arresting barriers, upon which work was started immediately. There was a need for aircraft protection but that was hampered by lack of pavement as well as revetment materials. Design of permanent facilities was started early on and with a special appropriation for a Military Construction Program in Korea it was possible to start awarding contracts by November. By late 1969, many of the contracts were completed. During its 18-month stay in Korea, the 557th CES(HR) erected 700 tents for billets and 300 for other use. They dug wells, laid airfield matting, sandbagged bunkers, and accomplished building and utility system rehabilitation.
LINEAGE
5 Feb 1968 – 557th Civil Engineering Squadron (Heavy Repair) constituted and activated
10 Feb 1968 – Organized
15 Oct 1969 – Redesignated 557th Civil Engineering Squadron, Heavy Repair
1 Jun 1972 – Inactivated
STATIONS
10 Feb 1968 – Eglin AF Auxiliary Airfield #2, FL
30 Aug 1968 – Osan AB, Korea
10 Dec 1969- 1 Jun 1972 – Eglin AF Auxiliary Field #2
ASSIGNMENTS
5 Feb 1968 – Tactical Air Command
30 Aug 1968 – Fifth Air Force
10 Dec 1969 – 1 Jun 1972 – Ninth Air Force
Served TDY as support to Red Horse 557th Feb – July 1968 Pueblo Incident. Deployed from Bergstrom AFB, Texas.
Rec’d Koren Service Award
How do I prove this?
Hopefully your 214 would show the award, but back then not everything was included.