US Airpower Summary, Feb. 8, 2009: A-10s Deter Enemy Actions

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, Feb. 8, 2009 -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations Feb. 7, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, a coalition patrol called in Navy F/A-18F Super Hornets for air support near Musa Qala after enemy forces attacked with automatic weapons and rocket propelled grenades. The aircraft engaged enemy positions with Vulcan cannon strafes, ending their hostilities.

A Navy F/A-18A Hornet flew a show of force and expended flares near Balocan to deter enemy forces readying for attack on a coalition unit. The aircraft also conducted tactical surveillance for coalition forces in the area.

A Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II, and a coalition aircraft each performed a show of force to deter enemy actions near Lashkar Gah, Soltani, and Qalat. The aircraft also provided tactical reconnaissance for coalition ground forces in their respective areas.

Joint terminal attack controllers assigned to coalition units verified the success of these missions.

In total, 68 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Seventeen Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, two Navy aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, coalition aircraft flew 37 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, 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 250 tons of cargo was delivered; and about 2,450 passengers were transported. This included approximately 72,000 pounds of troop resupply that was air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Feb. 6, Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 43 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.8 million pounds of fuel to 232 receiving aircraft.

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

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