US Airpower Summary; Nov. 8, 2008: C-17s Sustain Operations

Airmen from the 386th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron's aerial port flight prepare to push a pallet onto a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III, at an air base in the Persian Gulf Region. The aerial port flight handles all loading and unloading of military and coalition partners' aircraft departing and arriving the base and is responsible for processing all originating, through load, and terminating cargo. This flight is U.S. Central Command's largest passenger operation, handling more than 65,000 passengers a month in support of Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Patrick Dixon.)

Dispatches from the Front:

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Nov. 8, 2008 -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations Nov. 7, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer and a coalition aircraft dropped a guided bomb unit-12 and a GBU-38 against anti-Afghan forces who were firing mortar and rocket propelled grenades at coalition forces in the vicinity of Musa Qaleh. Furthermore, coalition aircraft performed shows of force to deter enemy activities and facilitate the extraction of coalition forces in the area. The missions were confirmed a success by joint terminal attack controllers.

In the vicinity of Sangin, a coalition aircraft dropped a GBU-12 onto a building where anti-Afghan forces were firing at coalition forces near Sangin. In addition coalition aircraft conducted shows of force to deter enemy activities in the same area. JTACs reported the missions successful.

Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles performed shows of force and conducted search operations of a possible weapons point of origin in the vicinity of Moqor. The mission was declared a success by a JTAC.

In the vicinity of Lashkar Gah, a coalition aircraft conducted a show of force to deter enemy activities. A JTAC reported the mission successful.

F-15Es performed shows of force and provided armed aerial overwatch to deter anti-Afghan forces from firing at a coalition convoy conducting operations in the vicinity of Orgun E. The mission was confirmed successful by a JTAC.

In total, 46 close-air-support missions were flown as part 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.

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-two 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-130s and C-17s provided intra-theater heavy airlift, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 147 airlift sorties were flown; nearly 590 tons of cargo delivered and more than 3,600 passengers were transported.

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

On Nov. 6, Air Force and coalition aerial refueling crews flew 52 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.5 million pounds of fuel to 278 receiving aircraft.

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

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