US Airpower Summary; Nov. 17, 2008: Predator Provides Armed Reconnaissance

An MQ-1 Predator prepares for takeoff in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The Predator provides integrated and synchronized close-air combat operations, to include intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Sabrina Johnson.)

Dispatches from the Front:

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Nov. 17, 2008 -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Nov. 16, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force MQ-9A Reaper and an Air Force MQ-1B Predator used Hellfire missiles against anti-Afghan forces who were placing IEDs along a route in the vicinity of Bolocan. The missions were confirmed a success by on-scene joint terminal attack controllers.

In the vicinity of Bari Kowt, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle dropped a guided bomb unit-31 and GBU-38s on enemy fighters who were attacking coalition forces from behind a tree line. A JTAC declared the mission successful.

Coalition aircraft performed shows of force and provided armed aerial overwatch for coalition ground forces conducting IED search operations near Shurakian. A JTAC declared the missions successful.

In the vicinity of Ghazni, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II performed a show of force to deter enemy activities and provided armed aerial overwatch for coalition forces conducting operations. A JTAC confirmed the mission successful.

Coalition aircraft conducted shows of force to deter anti-Afghan activity in the vicinity of Garmsir and Morghab. The JTACs reported the missions successful.

In total, 51 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, two coalition aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, 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.

Twenty-nine Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, four 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, more than 450 tons of cargo were delivered and nearly 3,700 passengers were transported. This included approximately 71,500 pounds of troop resupply airdropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Nov. 15, Air Force and coalition tanker crews flew 42 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.9 million pounds of fuel to 246 receiving aircraft.

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

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