We have to be able to show up where there is nothing and build a base said Master Sgt. Donna Southwood-Smith, non-commissioned officer in charge of the 567th RED HORSE structures shop.
“Each RED HORSE squadron is uniquely equipped and trained to open an airstrip in a matter of days and keep operating independently for up to 30 days,” said Capt. Andrew Folz, commander of the 567th Operations Flight. “With follow-on support we could operate indefinitely.”
“The FTX orients each of our personnel with what it takes to secure and protect a site, build or repair the runways and roads, feed, house, and provide basic services to all of our members without support,” said Folz.
“With the traditional weekend only being two days, it is hard to fit in all the training for the different Air Force Specialty Codes we have,” said Moore.
The squadron consists of Airmen from many different locations and backgrounds that complete a number of different jobs. For the short time they are here, they are expected to work as a cohesive unit to accomplish the mission.
“Our unit includes medical technicians and doctors, logisticians and vehicle maintenance, security forces and contracting officers, services, safety, training, education and financial management personnel,” said Folz.
RED HORSE directly supports combat air power worldwide said Moore. She went on to say engineering squadrons provide air component commanders with a dedicated-flexible airfield and heavy construction and repair capabilities.
Effective communication and efficiency are key components of success in the Air Force mission, these things become critical in an operation this size.
“Because of our training, we can provide the Air Force with the ability to project power in, or offer support to any region or environment in the world,” said Folz.
For more information on the 567th RHS please visit http://www.seymourjohnson.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/306511/567th-red-horse-squadron/