819th RED HORSE Will Stay in Montana: U.S. Senators React

Senator Jon Tester, Ranking Member on the Military Construction Appropriations Subcommittee, met this afternoon with Air Force Secretary Deborah James face-to-face and they discussed the decision to keep the 252-person unit in Montana.The Air Force had previously considered relocating the RED HORSE personnel and equipment from Malmstrom to Guam.

Keeping the 819th RED HORSE unit in Montana speaks to the tremendous work of our Airmen and the successful partnership between active duty units and the Air National Guard.  This news ensures that the squadron can continue to meet the emergency needs and provide the engineering support needed in Montana and throughout the region,” said Tester.  “Today’s announcement is welcome news for Malmstrom and for Great Falls, and for everyone who relies on the RED HORSE to keep our bases and communities safe.”

Senator Steve Daines has actively pushed the Air Force to maintain an active duty RED HORSE presence at Malmstrom Air Force base.

This is great news for Malmstrom, the Great Falls community and the state of Montana,” Daines stated. “The 819th RED HORSE unit at Malmstrom Air Force Base holds an important role in our national security and is a critical partner for the Montana Air National Guard’s 219th RED HORSE unit. I’m thankful that the Air Force has recognized the importance of maintaining an active RED HORSE unit at Malmstrom, but our work to protect this critical mission isn’t over. I will continue working tirelessly to ensure Montana’s RED HORSE squadrons have the resources and support they need to complete their missions and maintain their critical role in protecting the United States.”

The 819th RED HORSE Squadron works closely with Montana Air National Guard’s 219th RED HORSE Squadron to provide a unique synergy the Air Force and National Guard have testified is a critical asset to their ongoing national defense missions.

The two units work closely together and have carried out numerous projects across the state, including emergency road repairs in Great Falls and an overhaul of the Tabor Dam in St. Ignatius.