US Airpower Summary; Nov. 20, 2008: KC-10s Bring Fuel

A KC-10 Extender from the 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron parks after a refueling mission. Air Force and coalition aerial refueling crews flew 41 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.6 million pounds of fuel to 237 receiving aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Matt Cook.)

Dispatches from the Front:

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Nov. 20, 2008 -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Nov. 19, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II, conducted a show of force to deter enemy activities and provided armed aerial overwatch for a coalition convoy that had struck an IED in the vicinity of Bari Kowt. The mission was confirmed a success by an on-scene joint terminal attack controller.

Near Kabul, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles performed shows of force to deter enemy activities and provided armed aerial overwatch for a coalition ground forces convoy conducting operations. The JTACs declared the missions successful.

A coalition aircraft conducted a show of force to deter enemy activities in the vicinity of Sangin. A JTAC reported the mission successful.

In the vicinity of Moqor, F-15Es performed shows of force to deter enemy activities and provided armed aerial overwatch for coalition ground forces conducting foot patrol in the area. The mission was confirmed a success by a JTAC.

A Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet conducted a show of force to deter enemy activities in the vicinity of Shurakian. A JTAC reported the mission successful.

In the vicinity of Ghazni, an F-15E performed a show of force and provided armed aerial overwatch for a coalition convoy conducting operations. 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, coalition aircraft flew 47 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 and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, three 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 130 airlift sorties were flown, more than 350 tons of cargo were delivered and nearly 3,750 passengers were transported. This included approximately 82,500 pounds of troop resupply airdropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Nov. 18, Air Force and coalition tanker crews flew 41 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.6 million pounds of fuel to 237 receiving aircraft.

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

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