US Airpower Summary; Oct. 10, 2008: A-10s Engage Anti-Afghan Forces

An A-10 Thunderbolt II, like this one, flies combat mission over Afghanistan supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. A-10s provide close-air support and employ a wide variety of conventional munitions, including general purpose bombs. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Robert Wieland.)

Dispatches from the Front:

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Oct. 10, 2008 -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Oct. 9, according to combined air and space operations center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs dropped a guided bomb unit-38 and fired cannon rounds onto anti-Afghan forces engaging coalition forces in the vicinity of Gereshk. The on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed the mission successful.

In the vicinity of Bari Kowt, A-10s fired rockets onto anti-Afghan forces. The mission was reported successful by an on-scene JTAC.

Coalition aircraft performed shows of force to deter insurgent activities near Sheykhabad and in the vicinity of Lashkar Gah. The on-scene JTACs declared the missions successful.

Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles conducted shows of force near Sheykhabad, Kabul, and in the vicinity of Sheykhabad to deter enemy activities. The missions were confirmed successful by a JTAC.

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

Fifteen Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, four Navy and coalition aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, coalition aircraft flew 45 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions integrated and synchronized with coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided over watch for reconstruction activities and helped deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Twenty-seven 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 and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intra-theater heavy airlift, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 141 airlift sorties were flown, more than 400 tons of cargo delivered, and more than 3,000 passengers were transported. This included approximately 24,000 pounds of troop resupply airdropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Oct. 8, Air Force and coalition aerial refueling crews flew 52 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.5 million pounds of fuel to 253 receiving aircraft.

(From a U.S. Air Force news release.)

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