U.S. Central Command Air Forces
09.30.2009 SOUTHWEST ASIA — Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations Sept. 28, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.
In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II and coalition aircraft flew armed overwatch in the Farah area. Once on station the aircraft saw intense action as there were several engagements between friendly forces and anti-Afghan forces. Friendly forces reported and confirmed enemy fire from a treeline sniper position and from several buildings located in a compound area. When shows of force did not work in stopping the enemy fire, precision guided munitions and strafing runs of cannon fire were combined to end the enemy fire. The enemy then retreated to a nearby Mosque to avoid further air strikes.
In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II and coalition aircraft flew armed overwatch in the Farah area. Once on station the aircraft saw intense action as there were several engagements between friendly forces and anti-Afghan forces. Friendly forces reported and confirmed enemy fire from a treeline sniper position and from several buildings located in a compound area. When shows of force did not work in stopping the enemy fire, precision guided munitions and strafing runs of cannon fire were combined to end the enemy fire. The enemy then retreated to a nearby Mosque to avoid further air strikes.
Shurakian saw coalition aircraft in the skies providing overwatch for friendly forces. When friendly forces started receiving sporadic enemy fire a request for shows of force was made. The aircraft provided two shows of force with flares expended that successfully ended the enemy aggression.
Coalition aircraft were in the vicinity of Sangin providing armed overwatch for friendly forces when the friendly forces reported receiving enemy small arms fire. Aircrews supported ground forces by releasing precision guided munitions and conducting a strafing run against enemy positions. The actions were considered successful.
At Khowst, Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet aircraft provided overwatch for friendly forces. The aircraft were also conducting reconnaissance for personnel engaged in improvised explosive device emplacement and possible mortar teams. When friendly forces came under enemy fire, the point of origin was confirmed. The coordinates were passed to the F/A-18F and a precision guided munition was deployed, eliminating the threat.
Near Shurakian, coalition aircraft provided armed overwatch for a coalition forces' convoy in the area. The convoy passed a compound where suspicious activity had been noted earlier. Shows of force were requested to deter any further threatening activity. The shows of force were successful in deterring enemy activity as the convoy passed the compound.
Asmar had Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft providing armed overwatch for friendly forces in the area. The F-15Es successfully employed precision guided munitions on target coordinates confirmed by ground forces.
F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft were providing armed overwatch over Asadabad for friendly forces in the area. A request for support was received and precision guided munitions were released on confirmed target coordinates. The munitions successfully destroyed the enemy targets.
There were F-15E aircraft in the vicinity of Asmar flying overwatch for friendly forces. The aircraft observed enemy activity on a ridgeline where a friendly forces' patrol had taken enemy fire earlier in the day. A precision guided munition was released, destroying the threat to friendly forces in the area.
In Iraq, Air Force F-16C aircraft were in the vicinity of Mosul when friendly forces requested assistance in the form of shows of force. The aircraft provided multiple shows of force that were declared successful.
In total, 89 close air support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.
Thirty-two Air Force, Navy and coalition surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan. In addition, two Navy aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.
In total, 12 close air support missions were flown in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions integrated and synchronized with ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided overwatch for reconstruction activities, and helped to deter and disrupt hostile activities
Twenty-nine Air Force and Navy surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. In addition, two Air Force aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.
U.S. Air Force C-130s and C-17s provided intra-theater heavy airlift, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq, and the Horn of Africa.
U.S. Air Force airlift crews flew 125 airlift sorties; 530 short tons of cargo were delivered; and about 2,200 passengers were transported. This included about 160,000 pounds of aerial resupply cargo dropped over Afghanistan.
Coalition C-130 crews flew as part of operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.
On Sept. 27, Air Force HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopters and "Guardian Angel" teams transported 12 patients to coalition field hospitals from locations in Afghanistan. Pararescue team members aboard located, rescued and began treatment to stabilize patients in the battlefield. The Pave Hawk transported these patients to field hospitals in less time than it takes for a civilian patient to reach emergency care by ambulance in most major cities.
U.S. Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 56 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.4 million pounds of fuel to 225 receiving aircraft.
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