US Airpower Summary; Nov. 9, 2008: A-10s Deter Enemy Activities

The A-10 Thunderbolt II is the first Air Force aircraft specially designed for close air support of ground forces. They are simple, effective and survivable twin-engine jet aircraft that can be used against all ground targets, including tanks and other armored vehicles. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Greg L. Davis.)

Dispatches from the Front:

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Nov. 9, 2008 -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Nov. 8, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped guided bomb unit-38s onto anti-Afghan forces who were firing rocket propelled grenades at a coalition forces convoy in the vicinity of Nangalam. Furthermore, F-15Es conducted shows of force to deter enemy activities in the area. The missions were confirmed a success by joint terminal attack controllers.

In the vicinity of Qalat, Navy F/A-18A Hornets conducted a show of force to deter enemy activities. A JTAC reported the mission successful.

F-15Es performed shows of force to deter enemy activities and provide armed aerial overwatch for coalition ground forces who were conducting counter narcotic operations on four buildings in the vicinity of Bari Kowt. The mission was declared a success by a JTAC.

In the vicinity of Sheykhabad and near Kabul, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs conducted shows of force to deter enemy activities. JTACs reported the missions successful.

F-15Es conducted shows of force to deter enemy activities and provide armed aerial overwatch for coalition ground forces who had been taking mortar and indirect fire while conducting operations in the vicinity of Farah and Ganjabad. The missions were declared a success by JTACs.

In total, 66 close air support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Fourteen 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 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-eight Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, three Air Force and coalition aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

U.S. 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 140 airlift sorties were flown; nearly 530 tons of cargo delivered, and more than 2,800 passengers were transported. This included approximately 80,000 pounds of troop resupply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On November 7, U.S. Air Force and coalition tankers flew 46 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.8 million pounds of fuel to 224 receiving aircraft.

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

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