US Airpower Summary; Nov. 16, 2008: C-17s Move Tons of Cargo

A C-17 Globemaster III prepares for airdrops in support of operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa. The C-17 plays a key role in the delivery of supplies and transporting troops to forward operating bases. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joshua T Jasper.)

Dispatches from the Front:

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Nov. 16, 2008 -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Nov. 15, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped a guided bomb unit-31 and GBU-38s onto anti-Afghan forces who were firing rocket-propelled grenades at coalition forces from inside a compound in the vicinity of Spin Buldak. The mission was confirmed a success by an on-scene joint terminal attack controller.

In the vicinity of Bolocan, coalition aircraft dropped a GBU-31 onto enemy fighters who were attacking coalition forces conducting search operations. A JTAC declared the mission successful.

A coalition aircraft dropped enhanced Paveway II munitions onto anti-Afghan forces that were firing at coalition forces near Shurakian. The mission was reported a success by a JTAC.

In the vicinity of Lashkar Gah, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs fired cannon rounds and a B-1B dropped a GBU-38 onto anti-Afghan forces hiding in a compound trying to shoot down an aircraft. Furthermore, a coalition aircraft performed a show of force to deter enemy activities near the compound where the anti-aircraft fire was seen. The JTACs confirmed the missions successful.

An F-15E Strike Eagle and A-10s performed shows of force to deter enemy activities and provided armed aerial overwatch for a coalition ground forces convoy conducting operations near Monari. The missions were reported a success by the JTACs.

In the vicinity of Sheykhabad A-10s conducted shows of force to deter enemy activities and provided armed aerial overwatch for a coalition convoy recovering a vehicle that was hit by an IED. A JTAC confirmed the mission successful.

In total, 57 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Twelve 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 performed a show of force in support of coalition forces conducting foot patrols in the vicinity of Al Amarah. The mission was reported a success by a JTAC.

In total, 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 overwatch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt hostile activities.

Thirty Air Force and Navy 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 400 tons of cargo were delivered and nearly 3,500 passengers were transported. This included approximately 88,500 pounds of troop resupply airdropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Nov. 14, Air Force and coalition tanker crews flew 39 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.6 million pounds of fuel to 217 receiving aircraft.

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

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