US Airpower Summary, Jan. 26, 2010

Dispatches from the Front:

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Jan. 26, 2009 -- Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations, Jan. 25, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

Air Operations in Afghanistan:

Asadabad
Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircrews provided armed overwatch for a friendly-forces dismounted patrol. In addition, the aircrews conducted surveillance of the area. When the possibility of an ambush was discovered, a pre-emptive strike on the enemy position with a precision-guided munition eliminated the threat to the friendly patrol.

Chahar Bagh
Air Force MQ-9A Reaper operators provided armed overwatch and force protection for friendly forces. The Reaper operators observed individuals acting suspiciously then fire on friendly forces. Ground forces confirmed the coordinates of the hostile position. Operators fired missiles against the enemy position and the threat to friendly forces was eliminated.

Coalition aircrews provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. The aircrews were tasked for surveillance of several known enemy firing positions in the area. When ground forces reported taking sporadic enemy small arms fire, a show of force was conducted and the enemy fire eventually ceased.

Qal-E-Naw
An Air Force B-1B Lancer aircrew provided armed overwatch for friendly forces several times when they reported taking indiscriminant enemy fire. When the friendly forces were ready to evacuate the area, the aircrew conducted a show of force to deter the enemy fire and allow friendly forces to leave without further incident.

Surkhabad
Coalition pilots provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. The pilots were tasked for surveillance of an enemy firing position actively firing mortars on friendly forces. A precision-guided munition was employed on the enemy compound and the enemy fire ceased.

Coalition aircrews provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. When ground forces reported taking indirect enemy fire, a show of force was conducted to deter further enemy fire and protect friendly forces. The show of force was successful.

Coalition pilots provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. Once the pilots were on station, they received a report of friendly forces taking enemy fire who requested air support. The coalition pilots utilized a precision-guided munition and a strafing run to neutralize the enemy position, eliminating the threat to friendly forces.

Kandahar
Coalition pilots conducted a show of force to deter possible enemy activity. The show of force was declared successful when the no enemy action was noted.

Air Operations in Iraq:

There was no significant action to report today.

Air Power Statistics:

Close Air Support:
Sorties flown to support ISAF & Afghan security forces: 65
Sorties flown to support Operation IRAQI FREEDOM: 14

Surveillance & Reconnaissance:
Sorties flown in Afghanistan: 31
Sorties flown in Iraq: 26
Tactical reconnaissance sorties flown in Afghanistan: NONE
Tactical reconnaissance sorties flown in Iraq: 2 (USAF)

On January 24
Medical Evacuation:
Air Force HH-60 aircrews and Pararescue Airmen transported 2 patients

Aerial Refueling:
Sorties flown: 36
Fuel delivered: nearly 2.0 million pounds
Aircraft refueled: 164

Air Mobility:
U.S. Air Force airlift sorties: 161
Short tons of delivered cargo: 818
Passengers: nearly 3,500
Airdropped cargo: nearly 245,000 pounds

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