An MQ-1 Predator Unmanned Aircraft prepares for take off in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The Predator provides integrated and synchronized close-air operations, to include intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Sabrina Johnson)
Jan. 21 airpower summary: Predators provide tactical reconnaissance
1/22/2009 - SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNS) -- Coalition
airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq
and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during
operations Jan. 21, according to Combined Air and Space Operations
Center officials here.
In Afghanistan, an F-15E Strike Eagle conducted an attack in support of
coalition ground forces in the Oruzgan region. The Strike Eagle dropped
guided bomb unit-38 and -12s on its target.
Coalition aircraft supported ground operations near Nangalam. Air Force
A-10 Thunderbolt IIs targeted several anti-Afghan force heavy machine
positions with GBU-38s and general purpose 500-pound bombs and
conducted shows of force in support of friendly patrols and convoys.
Strike Eagles dropped GBU-12s on enemy forces during a running
engagement, halting a failed ambush on a coalition patrol. Air Force
MQ-1 Predators also provided tactical reconnaissance for ground units
clearing enemy compounds in the area.
Near Bari Kowt, F-15Es destroyed anti-Afghan fighting positions with
GBU-31s during a firefight there. The Strike Eagles then helped a
nearby coalition base locate an enemy mortar team that was firing from
heights overlooking the installation. Other F-15Es performed shows of
force to support a coalition convoy travelling along a supply route
thus deterring enemy activity.
F-15Es and an A-10 struck anti-Afghan units with guided bomb unit-12s
and strafing attacks. The strikes took place after enemy forces and a
coalition patrol engaged each other in the vicinity of Khowst. The
A-10s also expended illumination flares to reveal and mark enemy
positions.
A coalition aircraft executed a show of force over a compound near Sangin to deter enemy activity.
On-scene joint terminal attack controllers assigned to coalition units verified the success of these missions.
In total, 59 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the
ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route
patrols.
Twelve Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft
flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, two
coalition aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.
In Iraq, coalition aircraft flew 42 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-five Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions as part of
operations in Iraq. Additionally, three Air Force and coalition
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 150 airlift sorties were flown, more than 700 tons of
cargo was delivered and about 3,250 passengers were transported.
Coalition C-130 crews flew as part of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.
On Jan. 20, Air Force and coalition tanker crews flew 49 sorties and
off-loaded approximately 3.2 million pounds of fuel to 263 receiving
aircraft.
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