583rd RED HORSE is on the loose

  • Published
  • By Capt. Joe Simms
BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  The 583rd RED HORSE completed their first deployed mission as a squadron during an Innovative Readiness Training project near Clarksdale, Miss., July 7-21.

The RED HORSE squadron (Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron Engineers) completed multiple structural, electrical and utilities tasks for the Fletcher Field Airport during the two-week deployment.

"This is our first exposure to what a RED HORSE should look like," said Master Sgt. David Miller, 583rd RHS and Noncommissioned Officer in Charge of the project. "RED HORSE is about accomplishing large construction projects and this IRT fits in line with what will be expected of us in the future."

The newly established 583rd is one of six elite civil engineer squadrons in the AF Reserve specializing in areas of heavy construction projects such as building runways and erecting hangars.

This IRT required the 27 member crew to erect the steel frame for a hangar, manage the arrival of tons of dirt and gravel for future paving projects, and install branch circuits, receptacles, light switches and plumbing lines.

When they arrived at the job site, each specialty was assigned a team leader to oversee a specific part of the project.

Tech Sgt. Emilio Enriquez, the structures team leader, was in charge of constructing the standing seam roof for the Flight-Base Operator building here at Fletcher Field.

"We really have a good crew," Enriquez said. "Everyone is willing to help wherever they can and it's a great opportunity for airmen who haven't been deployed to gain some experience."

"When the RED HORSE arrives on a job site the customer is going to expect big things," said Senior Master Sgt. Glen Matthijs, Assistant Project Manager on this IRT and former active duty RED HORSE member.

"When the 583rd arrived I didn't know if everything would be completed in two weeks but they did it thanks to their clear and concise leadership, and the job skills they brought with them," he said.

One of the skills the 583rd displayed during this IRT was the crew's ability to take on projects outside of their normal duty titles.

Master Sergeant Bill Johns, the heavy equipment team leader, was tasked with assembling the steel frame and supports for the hangar, a project normally assigned to a structures specialist.

"It's all about preparing for a deployment," Johns said. "You never know what you'll be asked to do down range and this IRT is the perfect environment for these airmen to gain skills outside of their area of expertise and we need that here to get the job done."

Reallocating manpower wasn't the only challenge for these "Horsemen". The July weather in Mississippi can be brutal with high temperatures and humidity and the threat of afternoon storms that can delay a project for hours or more.

"It is extremely hot here," said Miller. "We are usually in condition yellow by 8 a.m. and black or red by noon with high humidity and temperatures between 92 and 96 degrees."

"The first couple of days were rough so our airmen decided to start the day at 5:15 a.m. and once you get used to it you adapt and overcome," he continued.

"I can't say how pleased I am with the way this deployment turned out," said Major Rudy Bartley, 583rd RHS and IRT Officer in Charge. "I'm proud of my guys keeping their focus and completing everything we did in these two weeks with zero safety incidents."

On the final day of the IRT, the crew was treated to a barbecue lead by First Sergeant Luke Williams and a debriefing from the IRT Staff where they recognized outstanding performers.

Those receiving a coin and RED HORSE patch for their outstanding performance were Johns and three members of his crew, Tech Sgt Josh Kerr, a pavement and equipment specialist, and Senior Airmen John Wynn and Joshua Grant for their work on for the hangar.

The IRT Project Manager, Senior Master Sergeant Todd Jones, 514th Air Mobility Wing, Joint Base McGuireDix-Lakehurst, N.J., finished up the deployment with a few words for the departing 583rd.

"You guys came out here with a goal to let yourselves and everyone else know who you were and I think you've done that," he said. "From the IRT staff to you, we congratulate you on that and I'd go down range with you all any time."