US Airpower Summary; Nov. 26, 2008: A-10s Deter Anti-Afghan Attacks

An Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II flies a combat mission over Afghanistan in support of Operations Enduring Freedom. A-10s provide close-air support and perform sorties daily providing top cover for ground forces in Southwest Asia. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Aaron Allmon)

Dispatches from the Front:

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Nov. 26, 2008 -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Nov. 25, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs fired cannon rounds onto anti-Afghan forces who were firing rocket-propelled grenades at coalition forces from multiple directions in the vicinity of Nangalam. The missions were confirmed a success by an on-scene joint terminal attack controllers.

In the vicinity of Mata Khan, an Air Force MQ-1B Predator used a Hellfire missile against anti-coalition members who were emplacing improvised explosive devices on the side of a known travel route. A JTAC declared the mission successful.

Navy F/A-18E Super Hornets conducted shows of force to deter enemy activities in the vicinity of Shkin and Shurakian. The missions were reported a success by the JTACs.

In the vicinity of Musa Qaleh, a coalition aircraft performed a show of force and provided armed aerial overwatch to deter anti-Afghan forces from firing at coalition ground forces who were conducting IED search operations. A JTAC confirmed the mission successful.

An Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle conducted a show of force to deter enemy fighters and provide armed aerial overwatch for coalition mounted patrol in the vicinity of Ghazni. The missions were declared a success by the JTACs

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

Sixteen 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 51 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, Navy and coalition 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 140 airlift sorties were flown, more than 450 tons of cargo were delivered and nearly 3,600 passengers were transported.

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

On Nov. 24, Air Force and coalition tanker crews flew 48 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.3 million pounds of fuel to 286 receiving aircraft.

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

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