Airmen assemble tents at a campsite.

Photo by Capt. Lou Burton, 178th Wing Public Affairs

Airmen from the Ohio Air National Guard’s 200th RED HORSE (Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron Engineer) Squadron assemble tents at a campsite Jan. 18, 2020, in Guayanilla, Puerto Rico. The Airmen deployed to Puerto Rico to set up and maintain two Disaster Relief Bed-down Systems (DRBS) to accommodate military personnel aiding in the recovery efforts following recent earthquakes on the island.

200th RED HORSE supporting service members aiding in Puerto Rico earthquake recovery

Story by Capt. Lou Burton, 178th Wing Public Affairs

GUAYANILLA, Puerto Rico (01/21/20)

Airmen from the Ohio Air National Guard’s 200th Red Horse Squadron deployed to Puerto Rico to help set up two campsites for relief and rescue agencies responding to the aiding in recovery efforts caused by recent earthquakes.

The 26-person team is working with local authorities and National Guard members from other states to build two campsites in Guayanilla and Guánica.

The Disaster Relief Bed-down Systems (DRBS) are self-sustaining camps shipped and assembled by the members from the 200th RED HORSE (Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron Engineer) in the affected areas. They can house more than 150 responders with temperature-controlled sleeping tents, electricity, potable water, showers and laundry facilities.

The first part of building the campsites is developing logistical plans for the designated areas where the DRBS are assembled.

“Every location is different,” said Master Sgt. David Taylor, 200th RED HORSE Squadron noncommissioned officer in charge. “We adapt our plans for setting up the DRBS based on the area.”

Setting up the camp entails everything from how to manage security and entry control within the camp, to assessing slope gradations to ensure proper water runoff.

“We were told to be ready within 48 hours of moving out,” Taylor said. “The level of coordination that takes is amazing. We’ve been successful at moving quickly because of the collaboration happening on the ground, with the Puerto Rico National Guard’s assistance.”

“As a local, I am very grateful for the Ohio Air National Guard to be here,” said Capt. José Martínez, officer in charge of the Joint Reception Staging Onward Integration and member of the Puerto Rico Air National Guard 156th Airlift Wing. “Earthquakes are not something we expect here, so having these partnerships with other teams is very important when something like this happens.”

The Ohio Airmen deployed Jan. 17 after Puerto Rico experienced a series of earthquakes, including a magnitude 6.4 temblor, in December and January.

Photos by Capt. Lou Burton, 178th Wing Public Affairs

RELATED STORIES

Ohio Airmen respond to Puerto Rico earthquake

Airmen from the 200th RED HORSE Squadron set up Disaster Relief Bed-down Systems to support recovery efforts in Puerto Rico following earthquakes that hit the island in December 2019 and January 2020. The DRBS provides basic necessities such as shelter, latrines and shower facilities and can support up to 300 people.

Ohio Air National Guard responds rapidly to Puerto Rico earthquake

Airmen from the 200th RED HORSE Squadron set up Disaster Relief Bed-down Systems to support recovery efforts in Puerto Rico following earthquakes that hit the island in December 2019 and January 2020. The DRBS provides basic necessities such as shelter, latrines and shower facilities and can support up to 300 people.

Ohio Air National Guard responds rapidly to Puerto Rico earthquake

Airmen from the 200th RED HORSE Squadron set up Disaster Relief Bed-down Systems to support recovery efforts in Puerto Rico following earthquakes that hit the island in December 2019 and January 2020. The DRBS provides basic necessities such as shelter, latrines and shower facilities and can support up to 300 people.