US Airpower Summary; Nov. 10, 2008: Tankers Help Sustain Operations

A KC-135 Stratotanker refuels an F-16 Fighting Falcon. For Nov. 8, coalition tankers flew 47 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.1 million pounds of fuel to 247 receiving aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Rob Wieland.)

Dispatches from the Front:

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Nov. 10, 2008 -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Nov. 8, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle dropped a guided bomb unit-31 onto anti-Afghan forces who were attacking coalition forces in the vicinity of Nangalam. Also, F-15Es conducted shows of force to deter enemy activities and provide armed aerial overwatch for a coalition convoy that struck an IED near Gardez. The missions were confirmed a success by on-scene joint terminal attack controllers.

In the vicinity of Sangin, a Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet conducted a show of force to deter enemy activities. The JTAC reported the mission was successful.

A coalition aircraft performed a show of force to deter enemy activities and provide armed aerial overwatch for coalition ground forces who were conducting operations near a compound in the vicinity of Ghazni. The mission was declared a success by the JTAC.

Near Lashkar Gah, a Navy F/A-18A Hornet conducted a show of force to deter enemy activities. The JTACs reported the mission was successful.

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

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

In Iraq, coalition aircraft flew 48 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-seven Air Force, Navy and coalition ISR aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, 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 150 airlift sorties were flown; more than 480 tons of cargo delivered, and nearly 4,000 passengers were transported. This included approximately 80,000 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Nov. 8, Air Force and coalition aerial refueling crews flew 47 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.1 million pounds of fuel to 247 receiving aircraft.

(Report from a U.S. Air Force news release.)

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