US Airpower Summary, May 14, 2009: A-10 Strikes Enemy Positions

A-10 Thunderbolt IIs, like this one taking off from Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, provide close-air-support for coalition troops, engaging enemy forces in Afghanistan and Iraq. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Brian Ferguson.)

Dispatches from the Front:

SOUTHWEST ASIA, May 14, 2009 -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations May 13, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II conducted strafing runs against anti-Afghan forces in the vicinity of Malek Din. The aircraft carried out the strikes after enemy forces launched mortar attacks on friendly units.

Coalition aircraft performed shows of force over enemy positions to suppress enemy fire near Lashkar Gah. The jets intervened after gunmen began shooting at Afghan and coalition soldiers from a compound and a tree line. An additional coalition aircraft stayed in the area to provide additional cover for friendly ground forces.

In the Qal-E-Naw area, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles conducted shows of force as an Afghan National Army convoy came under fire. Enemy gunmen had been launching rocket-propelled grenades and shooting assault weapons towards the convoy until the presence of aircraft suppressed the attack.

Near Musa Qala, a Navy F/A-18C Hornet performed a show of force over an enemy position in a compound. The demonstration of air support limited enemy action while a coalition patrol conducted operations through the area.

A Hornet conducted a show of force after Afghan National Army forces started taking gunfire in the vicinity of Kandahar. The maneuver suppressed the attack and prevented further enemy action.

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

In total, 77 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Twenty-two Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan. In addition, two Navy and coalition aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, coalition aircraft flew 22 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 Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. In addition, 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 140 airlift sorties were flown; 380 tons of cargo was delivered; and about 2,900 passengers were transported. This included approximately 27,000 pounds of resupply cargo airdropped over Afghanistan.

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

On May 12, Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 50 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.1 million pounds of fuel to 235 receiving aircraft.

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

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