March 10 airpower summary: A-10s conduct shows of force
3/10/2009 - SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNS) -- Coalition
airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq
and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during
operations March 10, according to Combined Air and Space Operations
Center officials here.
In Afghanistan, an Air Force MQ-9A Reaper used Hellfire missiles to
target a group of anti-Afghan gunmen operating an illegal checkpoint
near Kandahar. The group was spotted by a coalition ground unit in the
area, who coordinated with the drone operator to ensure civilians were
not in danger when the airstrike occurred.
An Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle hit a group of anti-Afghan forces in an
open field with a guided bomb unit-12 after an engagement between the
enemy personnel and coalition ground units. The individuals had been
firing their assault rifles at coalition soldiers which prompted the
air response.
A Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet conducted a show of force and expended
flares near Tarin Kowt for a friendly convoy under fire from enemy
forces. The show of force caused the enemy to stop firing and retreat
from the area. The convoy completed its mission successfully.
In the vicinity of Malek Din, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II
preemptively flew a show of force in the route of a coalition convoy,
expending flares. The maneuver was intended to discourage enemy action
while the convoy passed a point where enemy forces historically set up
ambushes.
Air Force and Navy aircraft flew shows of force to deter enemy activity
in several other areas of Afghanistan in support of Afghan National
Army and coalition missions. The additional security presence provided
by the aircraft prevented combat and risk to Afghan civilians while
ensuring the success of reconstruction and security missions.
On-scene joint terminal attack controllers assigned to coalition units verified the success of these missions.
In total, 76 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the
ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route
patrols.
Eighteen Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance
aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan. In
addition, four Navy and coalition aircraft performed tactical
reconnaissance.
In Iraq, coalition aircraft flew 25 close-air-support missions for
Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions integrated and synchronized
with coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided
overwatch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt
hostile activities.
Twenty-nine Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions as part of
operations in Iraq. In addition, three coalition and Air Force aircraft
performed tactical reconnaissance.
Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided
intra-theater heavy airlift, helping to sustain operations throughout
Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.
Approximately 125 airlift sorties were flown, more than 425 tons of
cargo was delivered and about 3,800 passengers were transported. This
included approximately 33,000 pounds of supplies that were airdropped
over Afghanistan.
Coalition C-130 crews flew as part of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.
On March 9, Air Force tanker crews flew 43 sorties and off-loaded
approximately 2.9 million pounds of fuel to 224 receiving aircraft
Stumble It!
