US Airpower Summary; Oct. 18, 2008: A-10 Thunderbolts 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. 18, 2008 -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Oct. 17, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs fired cannon rounds and rockets onto anti-Afghan forces near Kabul. The mission was reported successful by the on-scene joint terminal attack controller.

In the vicinity of Sangin, a coalition aircraft dropped a guided bomb unit-12 onto anti-Afghan forces engaging coalition forces with small arms and heavy weapons fire. The JTAC declared the mission was successful.

An A-10 fired cannon rounds at anti-Afghan forces engaging friendly forces with indirect fire near Sheykhabad. The mission was confirmed successful by the JTAC.

Coalition aircraft performed shows of force in the vicinity of Shurakian and Sangin to deter enemy activities. The JTACs reported the missions were successful.

A-10s conducted shows of force to deter insurgent activities near Kabul. The missions were declared successful by the JTACs.

Navy F/A-18 Hornets performed a show of force in the vicinity of Kajaki Dam to deter enemy activities. The JTAC confirmed the mission was successful.

In total, 68 close-air-support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Thirteen 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 40 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 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 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, 481 tons of cargo were delivered and 3,465 passengers were transported. The airlift included approximately 64,500 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Oct. 16, Air Force and coalition aerial refueling crews flew 50 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.5 million pounds of fuel to 224 receiving aircraft.

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

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