US Airpower Summary, Nov. 13, 2009

Dispatches from the Front:

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Nov. 13, 2009 -- Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations, Nov. 12, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

Air Operations in Afghanistan:

Sangin
Air Force MQ-9A Reaper aircraft flew armed overwatch for a friendly forces patrol. The aircraft also provided surveillance for the patrol and when suspicious activity was observed, coordinates for the enemy position were confirmed. A missile was released on the enemy target eliminating the threat to friendly forces.

Asadabad
Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft provided armed overwatch for a friendly forces patrol. They also provided surveillance while the patrol swept known enemy fighting positions. When suspicious activity was observed, a show of force was performed to deter any threat to the friendly forces. The show of force was considered successful.

Chahar Bagh
Navy F/A-18C Hornet aircraft conducted armed overwatch for friendly forces. When enemy activity was observed at an enemy fighting position, air power was called in to intervene. A show of force was executed and was successful in deterring any enemy action.

Asmar
F-16C aircraft provided area reconnaissance for a friendly forces patrol. A request for a show of force was made to continue suppression of enemy action. The show of force was considered successful when no enemy action was noted.

Air Operations in Iraq:
No significant action to report in the last 24 hours.

Air Power Statistics:

Air Mobility:
U.S. Air Force airlift sorties: 167
Short tons of delivered cargo: 536
Passengers: nearly 4,400
Airdropped cargo: nearly 135,000 pounds

Close Air Support::
Sorties flown to support ISAF & Afghan security forces: 84
Sorties flown to support Operation IRAQI FREEDOM: 28

Surveillance & Reconnaissance::
Sorties flown in Afghanistan: 29
Sorties flown in Iraq: 28
Tactical reconnaissance sorties flown in Afghanistan: 2 (USN)
Tactical reconnaissance sorties flown in Iraq: 2 (USAF)

Medical Evacuation:
On November 11, Air Force HH-60 aircrew and Pararescue Airmen transported 11 patients

Aerial Refueling:
Sorties flown: 46
Fuel delivered: nearly 3 million pounds
Aircraft refueled: 246

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