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RED HORSE celebrates 41 years

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Brok McCarthy
  • 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  As of Oct. 13, RED HORSE squadrons turned 41-years-old, and though this anniversary wasn't near as large as the one the 554th RHS celebrated last year, it is an important one none the less. 

"This anniversary is one we won't soon forget because it's the last one we will celebrate here in Korea," said Capt. Joel Bolina, engineering flight commander. "By the end of this fiscal year, we plan to have completely moved all people and assets to Guam." 

The squadron started out the anniversary celebration by taking a three-mile run around the base, distinguishing themselves from other runners by carrying their squadron guideon and wearing their red squadron caps. 

The big event of the day was the squadron's luncheon. During the lunch, they honored both the squadron with a cake cutting and their readiness troop by presenting him a new badge that was recently approved for the career field. 

During the luncheon, the squadron's most experienced member, Senior Master Sgt. Alwyn Archer, and the squadron's least experienced member, Master Sgt. Richard McHose, along with Lt. Gen. Garry R. Trexler, 7th Air Force commander, cut the squadron's birthday cake. 

"This anniversary is really bittersweet for us," Captain Bolina said. "On the one hand, the squadron has spent almost half of its time here in Korea, and because of that, we have a lot of history here. On the other hand, next year, we will be celebrating not only 42 years, but a new chapter in our history." 

The squadron originally moved to Korea in the early 80s and then to Osan in 1987. Prior to that, the squadron was stationed in the Republic of Vietnam and Thailand.
During the time it has been stationed at Osan, it has been the only U.S. military combat engineer and construction unit on the peninsula. 

While here, Captain Bolina said the squadron has been a great asset to 7th Air Force.
In the past year, the squadron has completed many projects all over the peninsula including replacing mobile aircraft arrest systems at Kunsan, drilling well holes in the city of Wonju, building laundry and latrine facilities at Suwon AB and building two K-spans at Kimhae AB. 

"When the move to Guam is completed, we will still be doing work in Korea from time to time, but we will become more of a pacific asset rather than focusing most of our efforts on the Korean peninsula," said Captain Bolina. 

The 554th RHS is one of only four active duty RED HORSE squadrons.