US Airpower Summary; Nov. 30, 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. 30, 2008 -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Nov. 29, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II fired cannon rounds against anti-coalition members who were emplacing improvised explosive devices on the side of a known travel route in the vicinity of Gardez. The mission was confirmed a success by the on-scene joint terminal attack controller.

In the vicinity of Monari, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles and A-10s performed shows of force and provided armed overwatch to deter anti-Afghan forces from firing at a coalition convoy traveling to a nearby forward operating base. The JTACs declared the missions were successful.

Navy F/A-18E Super Hornets conducted shows of force expending flares to deter enemy activities in the vicinity of Moqor and near Qarah Bagh. The missions were reported a success by the JTACs.

In the vicinity of Sangin, a coalition aircraft performed a show of force and provided armed overwatch to deter anti-Afghan forces from firing at a coalition ground forces patrol conducting search operations in the area. The JTAC confirmed the mission was successful.

A Navy F/A-18A Hornet conducted a show of force to deter enemy activities in the vicinity of Garmser. The mission was declared a success by the JTAC.

Near Bagram, an F-15E conducted a show of force to deter anti-coalition forces conducting suspicious activities. The JTAC reported the mission was successful.

In total, 70 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 35 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.

Eighteen 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 130 airlift sorties were flown, more than 400 tons of cargo were delivered and nearly 3,400 passengers were transported.

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

On Nov. 28, Air Force and coalition aerial refueling crews flew 44 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.0 million pounds of fuel to 228 receiving aircraft.

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

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