Wednesday, February 18, 2009

US Airpower Summary, Feb. 18, 2009: A-10s Protect Ground Forces

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An A-10 Thunderbolt II, like this one, provides top cover and close-air support to coalition forces in Afghanistan and Iraq. The A-10s perform shows of force to deter enemy activities and protect ground forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Robert Wieland.)

Dispatches from the Front:

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Feb. 18, 2009 -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Feb. 17, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, a Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet performed a show of force, expending flares, to deter enemy forces from attacking a coalition convoy. The convoy safely continued on its mission in the Orgun area with the aircraft flying overwatch. Additional Super Hornets performed similar missions near Monari and Ghazni.

An Air Force A-10 flew a show of force near Orgun, responding to a call from a unit that had been taking enemy small arms fire. The aircraft's appearance presented a deterrent to enemy personnel, who stopped shooting and withdrew.

On-scene joint terminal attack controllers assigned to coalition units verified the success of these missions.

In total, 78 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Twenty 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 40 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-seven 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 550 tons of cargo was delivered and about 3,600 passengers were transported. This included approximately 63,000 pounds of troop resupply airdropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Feb. 16, Air Force tanker crews flew 52 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.4 million pounds of fuel to 303 receiving aircraft.

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

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