Hurlburt combat engineers rush to aid of Keesler Airmen

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Nathan D. Broshear
  • 505th Command and Control Wing Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. (AFPN) --  Combat engineers capable of rapid deployment into war zones are proving to be effective first responders in bringing aid to areas devastated by Hurricane Katrina.

Airmen with the 823rd Red Horse Squadron here left early Aug. 30 bound for Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., one of the worst-hit areas in the deadly storm’s wake.

An additional 15 military vehicles, loaded with tents, water, supplies and equipment left Aug. 31.

“Red Horse teams are ‘deploying’ as we speak to Keesler … to bring vital aid to our fellow Airmen,” said Col. Jim Lyon, 823rd RHS commander. “Our mission is to bring supplies, remove debris and provide safe shelters in conditions that can only be described as complete devastation.”

Rescue and relief operations are proving to be challenging as each wave of Airmen encounter new problems. The first team of Red Horse combat engineers assessed damage and aligned supplies while literally cutting their way to the base.

“It’s hard to imagine, but our people had to literally chainsaw their route to the base,” Colonel Lyon said. “They found roads impassible and had to hunt for alternate routes. For many paths, they were the first to clear roadways -- they made it possible for others to get aid to Keesler.

“Coordinating with local law enforcement and military officials is another tough task as telephone and communications are gone,” the colonel said.

Because Red Horse Airmen are used to deploying to austere locations, their convoys are “armed” with all the equipment they might need to complete their mission. Gasoline, shelter, water and food must all be brought in with each wave of manpower.

“Our men and women are completely self-sufficient, and that’s vital to sustaining our efforts,” Colonel Lyon said.

So far, about 100 823rd RHS Airmen have left for disaster relief operations. Airmen here still were busy loading an emergency airfield lighting system Aug. 31, essential to aircraft operations, while they waited for the chance to do their part.

Staff Sgt. T.J. Manns, an electrical journeyman with the 823rd RHS, is realistic about what his follow-on team might encounter.

“You can try to mentally and physically prepare yourself for what you’ll see, but I don’t think you’re ever fully prepared for something like this,” he said.

Relief operations are proving emotional to Airmen as many have friends and former co-workers trapped at Keesler.

“Our friends are homeless right now,” Sergeant Manns said. “Our job is to help them get back to normal. I want them to know the legendary 823rd Red Horse is on the way, and we’re going to do everything we can to get them back into a home.”