US Airpower Summary; Nov. 13, 2008: Reaper Hits Target

A MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aircraft prepares to land after a mission supporting Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. The Reaper has the ability to carry both precision-guided bombs and air-to-ground missiles. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Brian Ferguson.)

Dispatches from the Front:

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Nov. 13, 2008 -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Nov. 12, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force MQ-9A Reaper used Hellfire missiles against anti-Afghan forces who were firing mortars at coalition ground forces in the vicinity of Bolocan. The mission was confirmed a success by the on-scene joint terminal attack controller.

In the vicinity of Tarin Kowt, a Navy F/A-18 Hornet performed a show of force and provided armed aerial overwatch for medevac of coalition forces that had received indirect fire during operations. A JTAC reported the mission successful.

Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs performed shows of force to deter enemy activities and provided escort for a coalition ground forces convoy that was conducting operations in the vicinity of Ghazni. The missions were declared a success by JTACs.

In the vicinity of Garmsir, coalition aircraft conducted shows of force to deter enemy activities. A JTAC confirmed the mission successful.

Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles conducted shows of force to deter enemy activities and provide armed aerial overwatch for a coalition convoy that was hit by rocket-propelled grenades near Morghab. The mission was reported a success by a JTAC.

In the vicinity of Malek Din, an F-15E and an A-10 performed shows of force to deter enemy activities and provided armed aerial overwatch for coalition vehicles that were conducting convoy operations. The JTACs confirmed the missions successful.

An F-15E performed shows of force and provided armed aerial overwatch for a coalition convoy conducting operations in the vicinity of Qarah Bagh. The mission was declared a success by a JTAC.

In total, 69 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

In Iraq, an Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon dropped guided bomb unit-38s onto enemy forces who were hunkered down in a building and using rocket propelled-grenades against coalition forces in the vicinity of Baqubah. A JTAC confirmed the mission successful.

Near Mosul, an F-15 conducted shows of force to deter enemy activities. The mission was declared a success by a JTAC.

Coalition aircraft flew 34 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.

Thirty-one Air Force, Navy and coalition ISR aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, three 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, more than 600 tons of cargo were delivered, and nearly 3,500 passengers were transported. This included approximately 88,500 pounds of troop resupply that was air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Nov. 11, Air Force and coalition tankers flew 50 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.5 million pounds of fuel to 280 receiving aircraft.

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

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