10/27/2009 - SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNS) -- Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Oct. 26, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.
In Afghanistan, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons flew armed overwatch for a friendly forces convoy over Gardez. When the convoy had to leave four vehicles behind, aircrews immediately responded with area reconnaissance and confirmed coordinates of an enemy force position in the immediate area. Precision-guided munitions were released on the enemy position, destroying the target and preventing the enemy from gaining access of the vehicles. The aircraft continued to search for enemy personnel in the vicinity and to provide ongoing surveillance for the convoy.
In Afghanistan, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons flew armed overwatch for a friendly forces convoy over Gardez. When the convoy had to leave four vehicles behind, aircrews immediately responded with area reconnaissance and confirmed coordinates of an enemy force position in the immediate area. Precision-guided munitions were released on the enemy position, destroying the target and preventing the enemy from gaining access of the vehicles. The aircraft continued to search for enemy personnel in the vicinity and to provide ongoing surveillance for the convoy.
Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs were providing armed overwatch for friendly forces at a helicopter incident in Qal-E-Naw. A request for airpower assistance was made to deter any enemy action around the site. Several shows of force were conducted, with flares expended, when enemy forces were seen in the area. The shows of force were deemed successful by an on-scene joint terminal attack controller as the enemy forces left the area.
Coalition aircraft provided armed overwatch for friendly forces in Chahar Bagh. When friendly forces came under enemy small-arms fire, a show of force was conducted to deter the enemy action. The show of force stopped the enemy fire and allowed friendly forces to capture the enemy forces.
A-10s provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. A show of force was requested and performed to reassure friendly forces and deter enemy action.
Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles provided armed overwatch for friendly forces in Asmar. When friendly forces came under enemy small-arms fire, a request for airpower assistance was made to deter the enemy action. When the coordinates for the point of origin of the enemy fire were confirmed, several strafing runs on the position were made, a show of force was conducted, with flares expended, and a precision-guided munition was dropped on target to end the enemy action.
Air Force MQ-1 Predator, Air Force B-1B Lancer, F-15E and F-16 aircraft in the air provided armed overwatch for friendly forces and a convoy in Asmar. When the convoy was hit by two improvised explosive devices and a large group of enemy fighters were observed positioning to attack the convoy, a missile and precision-guided munitions were released on the enemy position. The enemy attack was thwarted and the enemy retreated. After the initial strike, the enemy reassembled, and subsequent airstrikes were executed until the enemy force was driven from the area.
B-1B and A-10 aircraft provided armed overwatch for friendly forces in Lashkar Gah. The aircraft were also providing surveillance and reconnaissance in the area when enemy personnel were seen in the vicinity of a known fighting position. The personnel were not able to be identified as hostile so shows of force were performed with flares expended, sending the personnel fleeing the area.
Twenty-eight Air Force, Navy and coalition intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan.
In total, 74 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols. These missions also integrated and synchronized with ground forces, provided overwatch and helped to deter and disrupt hostile activities
In Iraq, 26 Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions as part of operations. In addition, two Air Force aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.
In total, 24 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.
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.
Air Force airlift crews flew 150 airlift sorties, delivered 568 short tons of cargo and transported about 4,000 passengers. Airlift included about 18,000 pounds of aerial resupply cargo dropped over Afghanistan.
Coalition C-130 crews flew as part of operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.
On Oct. 25, Air Force HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters and pararescue teams transported 26 patients to coalition field hospitals from locations in Afghanistan. Pararescue team members aboard the helicopters located, rescued and began treatment to stabilize patients in the battlefield. The HH-60G aircrews 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.
Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 41 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.6 million pounds of fuel to 206 receiving aircraft.
Stumble It!
