Beale welcomes Reserve's newest RED HORSE squadron

by Senior Airman Adam Hamar
940th Wing Public Affairs

7/14/2013 - BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif.  -- Air Force Reserve Command's 22nd Air Force stood up the 583rd RED HORSE during a ceremony here July 13.

The ceremony introduced the newest RED HORSE (Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron Engineers), in the Air Force Reserve and the first located on the West Coast.

"Today is a very important day for our new West Coast RED HORSE squadron," said Brig. Gen. Curtis Williams, 22nd Air Force vice commander. "The 940th Civil Engineers will be a part of an elite community of outstanding people."

Beale AFB was selected as the home for the new RHS after a multi-year selection process lead by AFRC. The amount of available land to build new facilities, the local economy's ability to support the squadron's requirements for materials, and the ability to fulfill recruiting needs with skilled tradesman from Northern California were all important factors in the decision.

"As soon as I got through the front gate here at Beale, it was absolutely evident that I was coming to a first class organization," said Williams. "This is an exciting opportunity to be a part of a professional environment with some the hardest working individuals. I know you will be successful and you're going to do a great job."

RED HORSE squadrons are specialized in multiple aspects of base construction, from plumbing and electrical to building runways and hangars and are able to take on large construction projects in remote, high threat areas anywhere in the world. The 583rd is also capable of responding to emergencies in the local community such as floods and earthquakes, and can deploy at a moment's notice.

"The 583rd can essentially design a project, procure the materials needed and execute that project, on its own," said Col. Timothy Lamb, 583rd RED HORSE interim commander. "When I arrived, I could feel the excitement. I could see it in people's eyes."

Over the next several months, members of the 940th Civil Engineering Squadron will transition into the 583rd squadron along with their counterparts from the 9th CES to form an active associate unit.

"I'm truly thankful for what everyone has done, the host wing and the local community, during this transition and look forward to working with every one of you," said Lamb.

RED HORSE or rapid engineer deployable heavy operations repair squadron engineers is a mobile, self-contained unit that includes medical, food services, vehicle and equipment maintenance, and supply personnel.

The squadron will create approximately 10 new full time and more than 100 traditional reservist positions over the next few years.