Deployed RED HORSE units contribute to build-up of Northwest Field

  • Published
  • By Airman Carissa Wolff
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam --  In a continuing effort to upgrade Northwest Field, deployed Rapid Engineers Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron Engineer (RED HORSE) Airmen are constructing three 5,000 square foot facilities to house equipment and prevent it from weather corrosion.

The k-spans measure 20 feet tall, 63 feet wide and 80 feet long and are two times the size of other k-spans previously constructed on Northwest Field. Construction of the new facilities began March 9 and will continue until the estimated completion date of Aug. 1.

Air National Guard members from the 200th, 201st, 203rd and 254th RED HORSE Squadrons, 200th and 201st Detachment RED HORSE and 144th Civil Engineer Squadron are leading the construction project and are using the it as a training opportunity for all involved.

"This is an exceptional training opportunity for the Guard units who are participating in this project," said Lt. Col. Gary Kellogg, 144th CES commander. "This project is especially rich in training for my personnel because they don't usually work with a variety of equipment being used on the k-span construction. There are also services and vehicle maintenance personnel deployed with the 144th CES who are getting valuable training on this project. We as a squadron consider it an honor to be the only 'Prime Beef' unit tasked to this project."

Approximately 500 personnel are assembling the typhoon resistant k-spans. The Airmen are using thicker sheet metal in the construction process that along with the design will help the k-spans withstand more than 100-mile-per-hour winds when finished.

The k-spans will be air-conditioned, lighted and have overhead doors for large equipment storage.

Of the three $500,000 facilities, two will be used to house 554th RHS equipment and the other will be a joint equipment storage facility for Commando Warrior, Silver Flag and RED HORSE programs at Northwest Field.

"These k-spans are very important for Northwest Field," said Lt. Col. Joe Swaim, 200th RHS director of operations. "Right now all the equipment is out in the open. The k-spans will significantly reduce the weather damage to equipment, increasing the length of time it can be used. This will save the Air Force money because the equipment will not have to be replaced as frequently."

Colonel Swaim also expressed gratitude for the support of the 554th RHS and 254th RHS.

"The 554th and 254th have really helped us by providing equipment, billeting and logistical support during this project," Colonel Swaim said. "Without their support the k-span project would not be as far along as it currently is."