RED HORSE deploys

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Dillon White
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs Office
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont., --  More than 230 Airman left Malmstrom March 2 for a six month deployment to Southwest Asia in support of the Global War on Terrorism.

Before stepping off the plane at their final destination, the Airmen will complete combat skills training with the Army at Fort McCoy, Wis.

Fort McCoy Soldiers will train Airmen on the rules of engagement, combat life saver skills to include the administration of IVs, land navigation, convoy training and small arms training to name a few.

The deploying force is chiefly comprised of 819th RED HORSE Squadron members with augmentees and support personnel from the 341st Missile Wing and 219th RHS.

Once in theatre, the Airmen will be further augmented by approximately 300 personnel from more than 70 units throughout the Air Force.

"We're combat engineers," said Col. Terry Watkins, 819th RED HORSE Squadron commander. "When we get there we will be working hard on whatever the combatant commander wants."

The Airmen cover jobs both big and small, from repairing and strengthening flight lines to building air terminals, buildings and wells for running water.

The utility construction RED HORSE Airmen complete makes the difference between servicemembers washing clothes in cardboard boxes lined with trash bags and bathing with bottled water, to laundering clothes in washing machines and taking real showers.

"I'm as ready as I'll ever be," said Staff Sgt. Christopher McDonald, 341st Civil Engineer Squadron drafting and surveying assistant. "I'll miss my family, but I'm looking forward to going."

The sergeant said this is his first deployment with "The Horse" and he will most likely survey existing dirt roads in the area of responsibility. His measurements will be used by equipment operators to successfully upgrade the roads to asphalt.

"We're ready to go on the good mission we've trained for," Colonel Watkins said. "But naturally will miss family and friends back in Great Falls. We really appreciate the support from the missile wing for not only helping us to get ready for the deployment, but taking care of our families while we're gone."

The last time the 819th RHS Airmen deployed to Southwest Asia was Sept. 11, 2007. This is the unit's fourth deployment since 2004.