US Airpower Summary, Sept. 21, 2009: F-15s Provide Overwatch

An Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle crew chief guides his aircraft into position at a base in Southwest Asia after a close-air-support mission. (U.S. Air Force photo)

Dispatches from the Front:

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Sept. 21, 2009 -- Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations, Sept. 20, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft responded to a request for support in the Asmar area when friendly forces came under heavy enemy fire. The aircraft deployed precision guided munitions on the point of origin for the enemy fire terminating all enemy action.

Near Sheykhabad, F-15E aircraft provided armed overwatch for helicopter operations. Shows of force were requested and were successful in deterring potential enemy action.

In total, 79 close air support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

In total, 18 close air support missions were flown in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions integrated and synchronized with ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided overwatch for reconstruction activities, and helped to deter and disrupt hostile activities

Thirty-three Air Force and Navy surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. In addition, two Air Force 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.

U.S. Air Force airlift crews flew 151 airlift sorties; 433 short tons of cargo were delivered; and about 4,200 passengers were transported. This included about 145,000 pounds of aerial resupply cargo dropped over Afghanistan.

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

On Sept. 19, Air Force HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopters and "Guardian Angel" teams transported 15 patients to coalition field hospitals from locations in Afghanistan. Pararescue Team members aboard located, rescued and began treatment to stabilize patients in the battlefield. The Pave Hawk transported these patients to field hospitals in less time than it takes for a civilian patient to reach emergency care by ambulance in most major cities.

U.S. Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 53 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.1 million pounds of fuel to 190 receiving aircraft.

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