An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : News : Article View
NEWS | Sept. 13, 2024

Virginia Guard Engineers Enhance Readiness in Portugal

By 2nd Lt. Jordan Spotswood, 192nd Wing

LAJES FIELD, Portugal - Airmen with the 203rd Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron Engineers, 192nd Wing, Virginia Air National Guard, trained at Lajes Field, Terceira Island, Azores, Portugal, July 14-26.

Renowned for its ability to deploy into austere environments and construct vital infrastructure, the 203rd RED HORSE completed renovation and reconstruction projects during the deployment for training. 

As a self-sustaining unit, the 203rd RED HORSE specializes in constructing vertical and horizontal infrastructure, utilities and transportation facilities. Their elite skills enable them to act as a sustainment force capable of repairing and improving base facilities wherever they deploy. During this DFT, the team focused on refurbishing facilities’ components, improving working conditions at Lajes Field.

Airmen with the 203rd RED HORSE renovated and repaired more than 25 windows throughout a 30,000-square-foot facility, constructed a critical separation wall for an industrial shop, repaired and finished over 13,000 square feet of office space, and completed more than 52 work orders with the Lajes Field civil engineers. 

“Our team faced a variety of logistical challenges during this deployment, but we adapted and overcame them by shifting priorities,” said Maj. Oscar Alonso, 203rd RED HORSE director of operations. “This was a valuable opportunity for our team to experience real-world challenges associated with infrastructure repair and construction operations, and I’m proud of how we performed.”

The DFT was not just about completing the mission — it also provided the Airmen with training in multiple new disciplines. They embraced the U.S. Air Force’s Multi-Capable Airman concept with personnel from different Air Force specialty codes taking on tasks outside their usual scope and completing more than 1,000 training hours in cross-functional areas. Communications specialists were involved in sheet metal work and repairs, while personnel specialists participated in painting and coating operations.

Their cross-functional efforts exemplified the adaptability and teamwork of the 203rd RED HORSE. 

“Our ability to perform at a high level under these conditions demonstrates the strength and versatility of our unit,” said Alonso. “The training and experience we gained here will be invaluable as we continue to support the Air Force’s global mission.”


 

 

 

Related Articles
Virginia National Guard Soldiers and Airman conduct a collective training exercise simulating a response to a simulated mass casualty radiological event April 30, 2025, at Fort Barfoot, Virginia. The Soldiers and Airmen are assigned to the Richmond-based 34th Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and High-Yield Explosives Enhanced Response Force Package, or CERFP. During the exercise, search and rescue, decontamination and medical teams worked together to rescue simulated casualties portrayed by role players. The CERFP is capable of providing support to first responders and civil authorities after a chemical, biological or nuclear incident. Read more about the 34th CERFP athttps://vngpao.info/2p89jnkp.
Virginia National Guard Team Trains for Disaster Response
By Mike Vrabel, | May 9, 2025
FORT BARFOOT, Va.  –  Virginia National Guard Soldiers and Airmen conducted a collective training exercise responding to a simulated mass casualty radiological event at Fort Barfoot April 28 - May 2. The Soldiers and Airmen...

Virginia Army National Guard Soldiers conduct a mountain warfare exchange with members of the Tajik military April 21 - 25, 2025, in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. The engagement was conducted in support of the Department of Defense’s State Partnership Program, in which Virginia and Tajikistan have been formal partners since 2003. The exchange focused on developing and refining mountain warfare fundamentals, while fostering collaboration between U.S. and Tajik forces. A total of 25 Tajik participants, representing four different organizations of the nation’s defense forces, took part in the training. Ranks ranged from junior officers to senior lieutenant colonels.
Virginia Guard Soldiers, Tajikistan Conduct Battle Exchange Training
By Mike Vrabel, | May 5, 2025
DUSHANBE, Tajikistan  –  Four Virginia Army National Guard Soldiers recently conducted a close-quarters battle exchange training with members of the Tajik military. The engagement was conducted April 7-11 through the...

Lt. Gen. Jon Stubbs, director of the Army National Guard, speaks with Virginia National Guard Soldiers and Airmen during the 2025 annual Virginia National Guard Military Ball on April 26 in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Lt. Gen. Jon Stubbs Highlights Virginia National Guard Excellence at Military Ball
By Maj. Cibeles Ramirez-Rodriguez, | April 30, 2025
Virginia Beach, Va. — Lt. Gen. Jonathan "Jon" Stubbs, director of the Army National Guard, joined Virginia National Guard leaders, Soldiers, Airmen and families at the 2025 annual Virginia National Guard Military Ball on...