US Airpower Summary; Nov. 14, 2008: A-10s Protect Ground Forces

An A-10 Thunderbolt II taxis on the runway at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. A-10s provide close-air support and perform sorties providing top cover for ground forces in Southwest Asia. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Demetrius Lester.)

Dispatches from the Front:

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Nov. 14, 2008 -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Nov. 13, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II fired cannon rounds against anti-Afghan forces who were firing mortars and rocket-propelled grenades at a coalition ground forces convoy. Furthermore, A-10s performed shows of force to deter any further enemy action against the coalition convoy's disabled vehicle in the vicinity of Bolocan. The mission was confirmed a success by an on-scene joint terminal attack controller.

In the vicinity of Gardez and Worzhanah, A-10s performed shows of force and provided armed aerial overwatch for coalition ground forces conducting IED search operations. The JTACs declared the missions successful.

An Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle conducted a show of force to deter enemy activities and provide armed aerial overwatch for a coalition convoy that was delayed in a dry riverbed near Monari. The mission was reported a success by a JTAC.

In the vicinity of Bagram and Sangin, an F-15E and a Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet performed shows of force to deter enemy activities and provided armed aerial overwatch for coalition ground forces conducting operations in the area. The JTACs confirmed the missions successful.

Coalition aircraft performed shows of force and provided armed aerial overwatch for a coalition convoy conducting operations in the vicinity of Musa Qaleh. 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.

Thirteen 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, a Navy F/A-18C Hornet performed a show of force along a riverbed to deter enemy forces that were gathering in the vicinity of Al Amarah. A JTAC confirmed the mission successful.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 49 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, 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 130 airlift sorties were flown, more than 400 tons of cargo were delivered and nearly 3,500 passengers were transported. This included approximately 72,500 pounds of troop resupply airdropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Nov. 12, Air Force and coalition tanker crews flew 46 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.3 million pounds of fuel to 230 receiving aircraft.

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

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