Photo By Master Sgt. Brittany Jones | Members of the 820th RED HORSE pave an aircraft runway July 29, 2015 at an undisclosed...... read more read more
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SOUTHWEST ASIA - It’s not uncommon for daytime temperatures to soar past 122 degrees Fahrenheit here. That’s why members of the 820th Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron Engineer or RED HORSE from Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, do their part to keep aircraft flying during twilight hours.
Sweat isn’t the only thing that comes along with blistering heat; asphalt will also start to soften at a ground temperature of about 122 degrees.
“During the day, asphalt usually gets to about 300 degrees,” Tech. Sgt. Zachary Norris, 820th RED HORSE member said. “We try to put it down during the cooler part of the day so the asphalt can cool and get the correct compaction and density to prevent damage over time.”
The goal for the runway construction here is to reopen the airfield to full capacity and prevent further damages to aircraft.
“The old asphalt here was causing hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of damage on aircraft,” Norris said. “With the new asphalt, we’re able to basically give the planes and aircrew a better working area.”
The new airfield will have less foreign object debris, providing a smoother surface to prevent tire and other damages to aircraft.
The aircraft flying in and out of the airfield conduct precision airstrikes in Iraq and Syria as part of the U.S. and coalition’s strategy to degrade and defeat the Islamic State, or ISIL.
According to the U.S. Department of Defense, as of June 22, 2015, more than 7,655 targets in Iraq and Syria have been damaged or destroyed during Operation Inherent Resolve.
RED HORSE doesn’t only lay asphalt for aircraft runways. They also possess the capability to provide expedient heavy repair, vertical and horizontal construction, plumbing, electricians, and heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) duties in the area of operation.
The support RED HORSE Airmen provide during OIR is not a new concept. The squadron has provided unique contingency capabilities worldwide for almost 50 years.
“It just goes to show that keeping RED HORSE around for this many years, and all the places we have touched,” Norris said. “We have been able to make life better for those around us.”
| Date Taken: | 07.30.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 07.30.2015 13:37 |
| Story ID: | 171607 |
| Location: | (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION) |
| Web Views: | 137 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, RED HORSE paves the way during Operation Inherent Resolve, by MSgt Brittany Jones, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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