8/14/2009 - SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNS) – Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Aug. 13, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft provided armed overwatch for friendly forces near Parmakan. A friendly force’s convoy requested help to destroy a damaged convoy vehicle. The aircraft released precision guided munitions on the vehicle as requested, rendering it useless and preventing enemy use. As the friendly forces convoy reached its destination they reported being attacked by enemy small-arms fire. They requested shows of force to deter enemy aggression. The shows of force were deemed successful as the enemy fire ceased.

Several coalition aircraft were providing armed overwatch in Asadabad when they were requested to provide armed intervention against enemy forces where friendly forces were receiving small-arms fire. Coalition aircraft then used precision guided munitions to eliminate the enemy positions.
Near Lashkar Gah, Air Force B-1B Lancers and A-10s were providing armed overwatch when friendly forces requested a show of force to deter enemy action. The A-10s were successful in stopping the enemy action with the show of force. Then an enemy position was identified, confirmed and destroyed by precision guided munitions.

Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles near the town of Musa Qaleh provided air coverage for friendly forces receiving small-arms fire. The aircraft successfully conducted a show of force ending the enemy small-arms fire.

Coalition aircraft flew armed overwatch for a friendly force’s convoy at Now Zad. When friendly forces came into the vicinity of a known enemy force’s massing point, the aircraft destroyed the enemy position with precision guided munitions.

Near Lashkar Gah several shows of force were conducted after enemy personnel were observed digging next to a road. The shows of force deterred the enemy forces from continued digging.

In the vicinity of Herat, B-1B and F-15E aircraft provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. When the friendly forces reported receiving small-arms fire, the aircraft successfully employed shows of force to deter the enemy action.

Joint terminal attack controllers assigned to coalition units verified the success of these missions.

In total, 70 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Twenty-eight Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan. In addition, one coalition aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, coalition aircraft flew 22 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-six Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. In addition, two 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 140 airlift sorties were flown, 371 short tons of cargo were delivered and about 3,000 passengers were transported. This included about 161,000 pounds of aerial resupply cargo dropped over Afghanistan.

Coalition C-130 crews flew as part of operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.

On Aug. 12, Air Force HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters and “Guardian Angel” teams transported 14 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 HH-60G 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 51 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.9 million pounds of fuel to 194 receiving aircraft.

Source: US Air Force