US Airpower Summary, Feb. 24, 2010

Dispatches from the Front:

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Feb. 24, 2010 -- Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations, Feb. 23, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials.

Air Operations in Afghanistan:

Close Air Support

Konduz, Regional Command-North
U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon pilots and F-15E Strike Eagle aircrews provided armed overwatch for friendly ground forces and several friendly convoys. Friendly ground forces reported taking enemy small-arms fire and requested shows of force to prevent further enemy aggression. The shows of force, with flares launched, were performed over enemy positions and deemed successful when desired effects were achieved.

Asadabad, RC-E
U.S. Air Force F-15E aircrews conducted shows of force in support of a friendly-forces ground operation. The shows of force were declared successful.

Karbala, RC-S
U.S. Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet aircrews conducted a show of force, with flares, to support a friendly-forces ground operation. The show of force was deemed successful.

Chahar Bagh, RC-S
U.S. Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet aircrews conducted a show of force. The show of force was declared successful.

A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer aircrew provided reconnaissance support over several convoy routes and later conducted an armed overwatch mission for a friendly-forces convoy. A show of force was conducted to deter potential enemy activity in the area of the convoy routes and was declared successful when no enemy action was noted.

U.S. Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet aircrews conducted a show of force, launching a flare. The show of force was deemed successful.

Qalat, RC-S
A B-1B aircrew provided reconnaissance support for friendly forces and conducted a show of force to deter potential enemy activity in the area. The show of force was declared successful when no enemy action was noted.

U.S. Navy F/A-18C Hornet pilots provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. Pilots conducted a show of force, with flares launched, which was declared successful.

Coalition pilots provided armed overwatch for a friendly-forces convoy. The pilots conducted a show of force, with flares launched, over the convoy to deter potential enemy action in the vicinity of the convoy. The show of force was successful as no enemy action was noted.

Surkhabad, RC-S
A B-1B aircrew provided reconnaissance support and conducted shows of force to deter a possible enemy attack against friendly ground forces in the area. The shows of force, with flares launched, were declared successful when no enemy action was noted. The aircrew later provided armed overwatch for a friendly-forces infiltration and extraction operation.

Airlift Action

Paktika province, RC-E
A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircrew flew a combat-resupply mission in Paktika Province, Afghanistan, airdropping approximately 70,000 pounds of supplies to friendly forces to sustain ground operations.

Badghis Province, RC-W
A U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules aircrew flew a combat-resupply mission in Badghis Province, Afghanistan, airdropping approximately 18,000 pounds of supplies.

Konar Province, RC-E
U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules aircrews flew a combat-resupply mission in Konar Province, Afghanistan, airdropping approximately 30,000 pounds of supplies to friendly forces.

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: 80
Sorties flown to support Operation IRAQI FREEDOM: 16

Surveillance & Reconnaissance:
Sorties flown in Afghanistan: 36
Sorties flown in Iraq: 29

On Feb. 22
Air Mobility:
U.S. Air Force airlift sorties: 145
Short tons of delivered cargo: 788
Passengers: nearly 3,200
Airdropped cargo: approximately 120,000 pounds

Aerial Refueling:
Sorties flown: 44
Fuel delivered: approximately 2.6 million pounds
Aircraft refueled: 200

Medical Evacuation:
Air Force HH-60 aircrews and Pararescue Airmen transported 9 patients
Sorties flown to support OEF: 8
Sorties flown to support OIF: 1
Personnel Recovery/Hero Flight: None

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

Wire: 1 Dead in Shooting at Luke Air Force Base

Off the Wire:

WASHINGTON, Feb. 23, 2010 -- Newswire services this morning reported that a shooting and fatal car crash on Luke Air Force Base in Litchfield, Ariz., have left one person dead and another injured.

FOX News said that a security forces officer reportedly tried to talk to two men inside a car, previously reported stolen and then driven through a gate at the base, according to Officer Karen Gerardo, the public information officer at the Glendale Police Department.

When the officer got out of his car to try to make contact with the two men, the car drove directly at him. The officer shot at the car, which then crashed, said Gerardo.

One of the occupants of the vehicle was killed. His cause of death has not been determined.

The other person in the car was injured and transported to a hospital.

Investigators do not suspect terrorism, said Gerardo.

(Report from newswire sources.)

US Airpower Summary, Feb. 22, 2010

Dispatches from the Front:

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Feb. 22, 2010 -- Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations Feb. 21 according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

Air Operations in Afghanistan:

Close Air Support

Asmar, Regional Command-East
U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon pilots provided armed overwatch and area reconnaissance for a dismounted patrol and convoy. The pilots received orders to destroy two enemy fighting positions in an adjacent area. The pilots destroyed the positions with precision-guided munitions.

Asadabad, RC-E
U.S. Air Force F-16C pilots provided armed overwatch to friendly forces and received orders to deny a fighting position to enemy forces. The pilots received coordinates and released precision-guided munitions, destroying the enemy fighting position while eliminating a threat to friendly forces.

U.S. Air Force F-16C pilots provided armed overwatch for dismounted patrols. The pilots conducted a show of force to prevent hostile activity in the vicinity of patrols. The show of force was considered successful. No enemy action occurred.

Oruzgan, RC-S
A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer aircrew provided armed overwatch of a friendly forces extraction operation, an enemy fighting position for suspicious activity and the site of a recent improvised explosive device explosion. They also conducted a show of presence to reassure friendly forces airpower was in the area.

Moqor, RC-E
U.S. Air Force F-15E pilots provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. Pilots conducted a show of presence to reassure ground troops that airpower was overhead.

Airlift Action

Helmand province, RC-S
A U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules aircrew flew a combat-supply mission in Helmand province, Afghanistan, airdropping approximately 28,000 pounds of supplies to friendly forces.

Badghis Helmand province, RC-W
A U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules aircrew flew a combat-resupply mission in Badghis province, Afghanistan, airdropping approximately 20,000 pounds of supplies to friendly forces.

Helmand province, RC-S
A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircrew flew a combat-resupply mission in Helmand province, Afghanistan, airdropping approximately 60,000 pounds of supplies to friendly forces.

Farah province, RC-W
A U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules aircrew flew a combat-resupply mission in Farah province, Afghanistan, airdropping approximately 30,000 pounds of supplies to friendly forces.

Afghanistan
An Air Force C-130 aircrew distributed informational leaflets via airdrop to locations across Afghanistan.

Nimroz province, RC-S
A U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules aircrew flew a combat-resupply mission in Nimroz province, Afghanistan, airdropping combat-sustainment supplies to friendly forces. The aircrew dropped approximately 30,000 pounds of supplies.

Air Operations in Iraq:

There was no significant action to report today.

Air Power Statistics:

Close Air Support:
Sorties flown to support ISAF and Afghan security forces: 63
Sorties flown to support Operation Iraqi Freedom: 18

Surveillance and Reconnaissance:
Sorties flown in Afghanistan: 21
Sorties flown in Iraq: 34

On Feb. 20
Medical Evacuation:
Air Force HH-60 aircrews and Pararescue Airmen transported 9 patients

Aerial Refueling:
Sorties flown: 40
Fuel delivered: approximately 2.3 million pounds
Aircraft refueled: 190

Air Mobility:
U.S. Air Force airlift sorties: 178
Short tons of delivered cargo: 1,021
Passengers: nearly 3,800
Airdropped cargo: approximately 170,000 pounds

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

US Airpower Summary, Feb. 10, 2010

Dispatches from the Front:

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Feb. 10, 2010 -- Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations Feb. 9, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

Air Operations in Afghanistan:

Close Air Support

Lashkar Gah, Regional Command- South
A coalition aircraft provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. The aircraft conducted several reconnaissance missions for friendly ground forces. When insurgents approached friendly forces and fired, the aircraft fired a missile and stopped insurgent fire against friendly forces.

Coalition pilots provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. The pilots conducted a show of force in order to deter enemy action while a group of friendly forces tactically withdrew from the area. A short time later, pilots conducted another show of force when friendly forces came under fire during the withdrawal. The shows of force were declared successful when friendly forces left the area without further incident.

Balocan, RC-S
Coalition pilots provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. The pilots conducted shows of force, with flares, that were determined successful by ground control.

Airlift Action

Helmand province, RC-S
A U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules aircrew flew a combat-airdrop mission in Helmand province, Afghanistan, delivering approximately 30,000 pounds of supplies to friendly forces.

Konar province, RC-E
A U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules aircrew flew a combat-resupply mission in Konar province, Afghanistan, airdropping approximately 30,000 pounds of supplies to friendly forces.

Helmand province, RC-S
A U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules aircrew flew a second combat-sustainment mission in Helmand province, Afghanistan, airdropping nearly 35,000 pounds of supplies to friendly forces.

Uruzgan province, RC-S
A U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules aircrew flew a combat-resupply mission in Uruzgan province, Afghanistan, airdropping approximately 15,000 pounds of supplies to friendly forces.

Paktika province, RC-E
A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircrew flew a combat-resupply mission in Paktika province, Afghanistan, airdropping approximately 70,000 pounds of supplies to friendly forces.

Uruzgan province, RC-S
A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircrew flew a combat-resupply mission in Uruzgan province, Afghanistan, airdropping nearly 36,000 pounds of combat-sustainment supplies to friendly forces.

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: 78
Sorties flown to support Operation IRAQI FREEDOM: 16

Surveillance & Reconnaissance:
Sorties flown in Afghanistan: 42
Sorties flown in Iraq: 28

On Feb. 8
Medical Evacuation:
Air Force HH-60 aircrews and Pararescue Airmen transported 15 patients

Aerial Refueling:
Sorties flown: 34
Fuel delivered: nearly 1.7 million pounds
Aircraft refueled: 143

Air Mobility:
U.S. Air Force airlift sorties: 145
Short tons of delivered cargo: 833
Passengers: nearly 2,700
Airdropped cargo: nearly 215,000 pounds

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

US Airpower Summary, Feb. 9, 2010

Dispatches from the Front:

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Feb. 9, 2010 -- Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations Feb. 8, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

Air Operations in Afghanistan:

Close Air Support

Bagram, Regional Command-East
U. S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircrews provided armed overwatch for a friendly-forces dismounted patrol. The aircrews conducted a show of force, with flares launched, to deter anti-Afghan forces activity.

Chahar Bagh, RC-S
U.S. Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet aircrews provided armed overwatch for coalition ground forces. When coalition forces reported taking enemy small-arms fire from several directions, the aircrews received coordinates for multiple enemy positions and conducted shows of force over each one to deter enemy action. The shows of force were determined successful by ground control when enemy fire ceased.

Kabul, RC-E
U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircrews provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. The aircrews conducted a show of force, with flares launched, to deter anti-Afghan forces activity. The show of force was declared successful by ground control when no enemy fire occurred.

Airlift Action

Afghanistan
An Air Force C-130 aircrew distributed informational leaflets via airdrop to locations across Afghanistan.

Farah Province, RC-W
A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircrew flew a combat-resupply mission in Farah province, Afghanistan, delivering approximately 69,000 pounds of sustainment supplies via airdrop to friendly forces for ongoing operations.

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: 42
Sorties flown to support Operation IRAQI FREEDOM: 24

Surveillance & Reconnaissance:
Sorties flown in Afghanistan: 26
Sorties flown in Iraq: 23
Tactical reconnaissance sorties flown in Afghanistan: NONE
Tactical reconnaissance sorties flown in Iraq: 2 (USAF)

On Feb. 7
Medical Evacuation:
Air Force HH-60 aircrews and Pararescue Airmen transported 2 patients

Aerial Refueling:
Sorties flown: 32
Fuel delivered: nearly 1.2 million pounds
Aircraft refueled: 100

Air Mobility:
U.S. Air Force airlift sorties: 129
Short tons of delivered cargo: 703
Passengers: nearly 3,600
Airdropped cargo: nearly 70,000 pounds

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

Wire: Senator Blocks All Obama Nominees Amid Air Force Tanker Feud

Off the Wire:

WASHINGTON, Feb. 5, 2010 -- Newswire services today reported that a U.S. Senator has taken the step of blocking more than 70 of President Barack Obama's nominees amid a dispute over a U.S. Air Force tanker deal, Senate aides said Friday.

French news agency AFP reported that Senator Richard Shelby, the top Republican on the Senate Banking Committee, placed a blanket "hold" in part because of the feud pitting Airbus parent EADS and its partner Northrop Grumman against Boeing, his office said.

The U.S. Senate frequently approves non-controversial nominees without a formal roll-call vote, with a "unanimous consent" determination that can be blocked by just one senator, requiring a time-consuming process and 60-votes in the 100-seat chamber to overcome.

Shelby "has placed holds on several pending nominees due to unaddressed national security concerns," his spokesman, Jonathan Graffeo, said in a statement that cited the tanker dispute as a key reason for the move.

The European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company and its rival Boeing have been locked in a long-running rivalry to win a 35-billion-dollar contract for a fleet of new aerial refueling tankers.

The EADS/Northrop partnership would build the airplane in Shelby's home state of Alabama but have accused the Pentagon of favoring Boeing in a draft request for proposal and warned they may withdraw from the competition.

"Nearly 10 years after the U.S. Air Force announced plans to replace the aging tanker fleet, we still do not have a transparent and fair acquisition process to move forward," said Graffeo.

"The Department of Defense must recognize that the draft Request for Proposal needs to be significantly and substantively changed," said the spokesman.

Shelby is also "deeply concerned" that Obama may block the construction of an FBI center in Alabama to test improvised explosive devices -- the "roadside bombs" that have killed hundreds of U.S. soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"This decision impedes the U.S. military, the intelligence community, and federal law enforcement personnel in their missions to exploit and analyze intelligence information critical to fighting terrorism and ensuring American security worldwide," said Graffeo.

(Report from newswire sources.)

US Airpower Summary, Feb. 4, 2010

Dispatches from the Front:

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Feb. 4, 2010 -- Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations, Feb. 3, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

Air Operations in Afghanistan:

Close Air Support

Lashkar Gah, Regional Command- South
A coalition aircraft provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. The aircraft conducted several reconnaissance missions over the area. When insurgents approached friendly forces, the aircraft fired a missile to stop the insurgent advance against friendly forces.

U.S. Marine AV-8B Harrier pilots provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. The pilots conducted a show of force, with numerous flares launched, in order to deter enemy action when a group of insurgents were observed gathering for an attack directed against friendly forces. The show of force was declared successful when the insurgents dispersed without further incident.

Malek Din, RC-S
Coalition pilots were directed to destroy two HumVees that had been damaged and disabled in an earlier engagement so that the vehicles would not fall into enemy hands. The pilots rolled in on the targets and precision-guided munitions were released which rendered the vehicles useless to enemy forces.

Musa Qala, RC-S
Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet aircrews provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. Aircrews conducted shows of force to deter enemy fire. The shows of force were declared successful when no enemy action was noted.

Airlift Action

Paktika province, RC-E
A U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules aircrew flew a combat-resupply mission in Paktika province, Afghanistan, airdropping combat-sustainment supplies to friendly forces. Approximately 70,000 pounds of supplies were dropped.

Helmund province, RC-S
A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircrew flew a combat-resupply mission in Helmund Province, Afghanistan, delivering approximately 32,500 pounds of supplies to friendly forces.

Afghanistan
A U.S. Air Force C-130 aircrew distributed informational leaflets via airdrop to locations across Afghanistan.

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: 81
Sorties flown to support Operation IRAQI FREEDOM: 20

Surveillance & Reconnaissance:
Sorties flown in Afghanistan: 16
Sorties flown in Iraq: 25
Tactical reconnaissance sorties flown in Afghanistan: NONE
Tactical reconnaissance sorties flown in Iraq: 2 (USAF)

On Feb. 2
Medical Evacuation:
Air Force HH-60 aircrews and Pararescue Airmen transported 6 patients

Aerial Refueling:
Sorties flown: 44
Fuel delivered: nearly 3.1 million pounds
Aircraft refueled: 218

Air Mobility:
U.S. Air Force airlift sorties: 164
Short tons of delivered cargo: 746
Passengers: nearly 3,500
Airdropped cargo: nearly 105,000 pounds

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

US Airpower Summary, Feb. 2, 2010

Dispatches from the Front:

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Feb. 2, 2010 -- Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations Feb. 1, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

Air Operations in Afghanistan:

Close Air Support

Balocan, Regional Command-South
U.S. Navy F/A-18C Hornet pilots provided armed overwatch for a friendly-forces dismounted patrol. Friendly forces requested air support when an enemy position opened fire with small arms. Once coordinates for the enemy position were received, pilots conducted shows of force, with flares launched, against the target, which stopped the enemy fire. No further enemy action was noted.

Jalalabad, RC-E
Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon pilots provided armed overwatch and force protection for friendly forces. The pilots conducted a show of force, with flares launched, to deter any potential enemy fie during a helicopter operation. The show of force was successful as no enemy action was noted.

Mushan, RC-S
U.S. Navy F/A-18C pilots provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. The pilots conducted a show of force to deter enemy fire. The show of force, with flares launched, was successful as no enemy action was noted.

Airlift Action

Ghazni Province, RC-E
An Air Force C-130 Hercules aircrews flew a combat-resupply mission in the Ghazni province, Afghanistan, dropping to friendly forces on the ground. Approximately 34,500 pounds of supplies were airdropped.

Zabul Province, RC-S
A C-130 aircrew flew a combat-sustainment mission in Zabul province, Afghanistan, airdropping approximately 27,600 pounds of supplies to friendly forces.

An Air Force C-17 Globemaster aircrew flew a combat-resupply mission to a remote location in Zabul province, Afghanistan, airdropping approximately 32,500 pounds of needed supplies to friendly forces.

A C-17 aircrew airdropped approximately 32,500 pounds of supplies to friendly forces during on a combat-resupply mission to another remote location in Zabul province, Afghanistan.

Air Operations in Iraq:

Mosul
Pilots of U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft conducted a show of force over a convoy they were escorting when suspicious personnel began to surround the convoy vehicles. The show of force was successful in stopping the crowd, which dispersed from the area leaving the convoy to continue its mission.

Air Power Statistics:

Close Air Support:
Sorties flown to support ISAF and Afghan security forces: 87
Sorties flown to support Operation Iraqi Freedom: 24

Surveillance and Reconnaissance:
Sorties flown in Afghanistan: 32
Sorties flown in Iraq: 8
Tactical reconnaissance sorties flown in Afghanistan: None
Tactical reconnaissance sorties flown in Iraq: 2 (USAF)

On Jan. 31
Medical Evacuation:
Air Force HH-60 aircrews and Pararescue Airmen transported 4 patients

Aerial Refueling:
Sorties flown: 43
Fuel delivered: nearly 2.6 million pounds
Aircraft refueled: 220

Air Mobility:
U.S. Air Force airlift sorties: 172
Short tons of delivered cargo: 847
Passengers: nearly 3,800
Airdropped cargo: nearly 130,000 pounds

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

US Airpower Summary, Jan. 28, 2010

Dispatches from the Front:

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Jan. 28, 2010 -- Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations Jan. 27, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

Air Operations in Afghanistan:

Balocan
Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. The pilots responded with cannon-fire strafing runs when friendly forces reported taking enemy small arms fire. The enemy fire ceased immediately.

A-10 pilots were again in the area providing armed overwatch and aerial surveillance for friendly ground forces. The pilots were looking for any suspicious or preemptive enemy movement prior to the friendly forces entering the area. The pilots conducted a show of force, with flares launched, to continue deterring any enemy movement in the area.

A B-1B Lancer aircrew provided armed escort to a large friendly-forces convoy during the night. The aircrew remained overhead during the entire movement. A show of force was conducted midway to deter enemy action.

Asmar
Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircrews provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. The aircrews released precision-guided munitions on an enemy fighting position to allow friendly forces to break contact with enemy forces. The strike was successful.

Salerno Landing Zone
Air Force F-15E aircrews provided armed overwatch for friendly ground forces and conducted a show of force to deter enemy action. The friendly forces had reported taking enemy small arms fire. The show of force was successful as the enemy fire ceased.

Konduz
The air over Konduz was busy as U.S. Air Force F-15E aircrews provided armed overwatch and force protection for friendly forces and Coalition forces in the area. Both friendly and Coalition forces reported taking enemy fire and requested air power to suppress it. The aircrews confirmed points of origin for the enemy fire and released precision-guided munitions against enemy positions. Then, aircrews followed up with strafing runs to finish the mission. Ground forces reported no additional enemy fire.

Lashkar Gah
Coalition pilots provided armed overwatch for friendly-forces during a town-hall meeting. Pilots observed suspicious activity in a field and conducted a show of force to deter any potential enemy action. The show of force was successful as no enemy action took place.

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: 6
Sorties flown to support Operation IRAQI FREEDOM: 22

Surveillance & Reconnaissance:
Sorties flown in Afghanistan: 9
Sorties flown in Iraq: 32
Tactical reconnaissance sorties flown in Afghanistan: NONE
Tactical reconnaissance sorties flown in Iraq: 2 (USAF)

On Jan. 26
Medical Evacuation:
Air Force HH-60 aircrews and Pararescue Airmen transported 2 patients

Aerial Refueling:
Sorties flown: 35
Fuel delivered: nearly 2.2 million pounds
Aircraft refueled: 121

Air Mobility:
U.S. Air Force airlift sorties: 166
Short tons of delivered cargo: 574
Passengers: nearly 3,100
Airdropped cargo: nearly 125,000 pounds

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

US Airpower Summary, Jan. 27, 2010

Dispatches from the Front:

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Jan. 27, 2010 -- Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations Jan. 26, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

Air Operations in Afghanistan:

Asadabad
Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon pilots provided armed overwatch for friendly forces and surveillance of known enemy fighting positions. When an imminent threat to friendly forces was observed, a pre-emptive strike on the enemy position with a precision-guided munition ended the threat to the friendly patrol.

Soltani
Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircrews provided armed overwatch and force protection for friendly forces and conducted a show of force to deter potential enemy action. Later, aircrews observed suspicious personnel and conducted a show of presence to deter enemy action. Both actions were successful and no enemy action was noted in the area.

Morghab
Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots provided armed overwatch for friendly ground forces when they reported taking enemy fire. After confirming the enemy fighting position along a tree-line, pilots commenced numerous strafing runs to deter and end enemy fire. When friendly forces were ready to withdraw from the area, the aircrew conducted armed overwatch to deter enemy fire and allow friendly forces to leave. The friendly forces returned to base without further incident.

Asmar
U.S. Air Force F-15E aircrews provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. Aircrews conducted a show of force to deter enemy fire and protect friendly forces. The show of force was successful.

Air Operations in Iraq:

There was no significant action to report today.

Air Power Statistics:

Close Air Support:
Sorties flown to support ISAF and Afghan security forces: 54
Sorties flown to support Operation Iraqi Freedom: 12

Surveillance & Reconnaissance:
Sorties flown in Afghanistan: 7
Sorties flown in Iraq: 31
Tactical reconnaissance sorties flown in Afghanistan: None
Tactical reconnaissance sorties flown in Iraq: 2 (USAF)

On Jan. 25
Medical Evacuation:
Air Force HH-60 aircrews and Pararescue Airmen transported 3 patients

Aerial Refueling:
Sorties flown: 37
Fuel delivered: nearly 2.2 million pounds
Aircraft refueled: 168

Air Mobility:
U.S. Air Force airlift sorties: 152
Short tons of delivered cargo: 743
Passengers: nearly 2,800
Airdropped cargo: nearly 165,000 pounds

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

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.)

US Airpower Summary, Jan. 25, 2010

Dispatches from the Front:

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Jan. 25, 2009 -- Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations, Jan. 24, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

Air Operations in Afghanistan:

Lashkar Gah
Air Force MQ-1B Predator operators provided armed overwatch and force protection for friendly forces. The Predator operators observed an individual acting suspiciously. Ground forces confirmed the person was a suicide bomber with hostile intentions. Operators fired a missile against the enemy position and the threat to friendly forces was eliminated.

Air Force F-16C pilots provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. The pilots were tasked to destroy a vehicle and a confirmed weapons cache to deter enemy activity. Several precision-guided munitions were released and successfully destroyed the intended targets.

Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircrews provided armed overwatch for a coalition forces patrol and friendly ground forces. The aircrews conducted shows of force to deter enemy action in the vicinity of ground forces. Both were declared successful when no further enemy action was noted.

Asadabad
Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircrews provided armed overwatch for coalition forces. An enemy fighting position was observed firing on coalition forces with a machine gun and the aircrews released precision-guided munitions against the enemy position, destroying the position and ending the enemy fire.

A B-1B Lancer aircrew provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. The aircrew was directed to conduct a show of force to deter enemy action when friendly forces reported taking enemy fire. The show of force was considered a success when no further enemy aggression was noted.

Mushan
Air Force F-16C pilots provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. The pilots destroyed an enemy weapons cache and an enemy vehicle with precision-guided munitions.

Surkhabad
Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots provided armed overwatch for coalition forces. The pilots conducted shows of force to deter a possible enemy attack. The shows of force, with flares launched, were considered successful when the enemy attack did not occur. Then the pilots provided armed overwatch of the area to deter any other enemy threats.

A-10 pilots provided armed reconnaissance for coalition forces. When coalition forces reported taking enemy small arms fire from a nearby compound, the pilots released a precision-guide munition and conducted a strafing run with cannon fire against the compound and the enemy fire ceased.

Konduz
Air Force F-16C pilots provided armed overwatch for friendly forces under imminent threat of an enemy attack. The pilots conducted shows of force to deter enemy fire on the friendly forces. The shows of force, one with flares launched, were deemed successful when the threat of attack was diffused.

F-15E aircrews provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. The aircrews conducted shows of force, with flares launched, to deter anti-Afghan forces in the vicinity of friendly forces. The shows of force succeeded in preventing enemy action.

Remak
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:

Baghdad
Air Force F-16C pilots provided armed overwatch for a friendly-forces convoy stopped due to an improvised explosive device. The pilots conducted a show of force to deter enemy fire on the convoy and to help locate and capture the enemy IED triggerman. The show of force was deemed successful when no enemy action was reported.

Air Power Statistics:

Close Air Support:
Sorties flown to support ISAF & Afghan security forces: 65
Sorties flown to support Operation IRAQI FREEDOM: 18

Surveillance & Reconnaissance:
Sorties flown in Afghanistan: 30
Sorties flown in Iraq: 28
Tactical reconnaissance sorties flown in Afghanistan: NONE
Tactical reconnaissance sorties flown in Iraq: 2 (USAF)

On January 23
Medical Evacuation:
Air Force HH-60 aircrews and Pararescue Airmen transported 2 patients

Aerial Refueling:
Sorties flown: 45
Fuel delivered: nearly 2.5 million pounds
Aircraft refueled: 212

Air Mobility:
U.S. Air Force airlift sorties: 165
Short tons of delivered cargo: 978
Passengers: nearly 4,100
Airdropped cargo: nearly 155,000 pounds

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

US Airpower Summary, Jan. 20, 2010

Dispatches from the Front:

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Jan. 20, 2010 -- Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations, Jan. 19, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

Air Operations in Afghanistan:

Chahar Bagh
An Air Force MQ-9A Reaper operator provided armed overwatch and reconnaissance for friendly ground forces. The pilot observed suspicious activity in the vicinity of friendly forces and requested confirmation of position coordinates. Ground forces confirmed the coordinates and identified the personnel as an enemy with a weapon. After receiving permission to eliminate the threat to friendly forces, the operator engaged using a missile. The weapon was successfully destroyed.

Shurakian
An Air Force MQ-9A Reaper operator provided armed overwatch and reconnaissance for friendly forces. The pilot was tasked to follow a suspicious person in the vicinity of a recent improvised explosive device detonation. When friendly forces attempted to apprehend the person for questioning, he hid in a mosque and then ran from friendly forces. The Reaper pilot observed the person enter a field and attempt to arm an IED before friendly ground forces arrived. Ground forces confirmed the coordinates and after receiving permission to eliminate the threat to friendly forces, the operators engaged using a missile. The target was successfully eliminated.

Morghab
Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircrews provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. Friendly forces reported a large group of enemy personnel gathered in close proximity to their position. Once coordinates for the enemy position and the suspicious personnel were received, the aircrew released precision-guided munitions and made numerous strafing runs against the target, which eliminated the threat. No further enemy action was noted.

Lashkar Gah
Pilots flying U.S. Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier aircraft provided armed reconnaissance for friendly forces. The pilots conducted a show of force, with flares expended, over an area as a reminder that airpower was overhead. The show of force was declared successful when no enemy action was noted.

Surkhabad
Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots conducted a show of force as directed by ground forces. The show of force, with flares released, was declared successful y ground control.

Kandahar
Coalition pilots provided armed overwatch for a friendly-forces convoy. The pilots were also tasked to perform surveillance to dectect insurgents preparing for an indirect-fire attack. Coalition pilots conducted a show of force to deter enemy action in the area. The show of force was declared successful and the pilots resumed convoy-escort duties.

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: 80
Sorties flown to support Operation IRAQI FREEDOM: 14

Surveillance & Reconnaissance:
Sorties flown in Afghanistan: 32
Sorties flown in Iraq: 28
Tactical reconnaissance sorties flown in Afghanistan: 2(NAVY)
Tactical reconnaissance sorties flown in Iraq: 2 (USAF)

On January 18
Medical Evacuation:
Air Force HH-60 aircrews and Pararescue Airmen transported 7 patients

Aerial Refueling:
Sorties flown: 43
Fuel delivered: nearly 2.9 million pounds
Aircraft refueled: 209

Air Mobility:
U.S. Air Force airlift sorties: 135
Short tons of delivered cargo: 621
Passengers: nearly 2,600
Airdropped cargo: nearly 145,000 pounds

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

US Airpower Summary, Dec. 21, 2009

Dispatches from the Front:

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

Air Operations in Afghanistan:

Chahar Bagh
Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft flew armed overwatch for friendly forces and coalition forces. Both forces reported receiving enemy fire and requested air support. The aircraft confirmed they had observed the point of origin for the enemy fire and engaged with strafing runs that eliminated the enemy fire.

Sheykhabad
Coalition aircraft provided armed overwatch and surveillance for friendly forces. When a show of force was requested, the aircraft successfully performed the show of force.

Sangin
Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft provided armed overwatch, reconnaissance and surveillance for a friendly forces convoy and fighting position. A show of force was performed when the friendly fighting position reported taking mortar fire. The show of force was considered successful when no further enemy action was noted.

Lashkar Gah
F-15E aircraft provided armed overwatch for a coalition forces patrol. A show of force was performed to ensure no enemy action took place around the coalition patrol. 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: 160
Short tons of delivered cargo: 614
Passengers: nearly 4,700
Airdropped cargo: nearly 210,000 pounds

Close Air Support:
Sorties flown to support ISAF & Afghan security forces: 74
Sorties flown to support Operation IRAQI FREEDOM: 18

Surveillance & Reconnaissance:
Sorties flown in Afghanistan: 30
Sorties flown in Iraq: 26
Tactical reconnaissance sorties flown in Afghanistan: 2 (USN)
Tactical reconnaissance sorties flown in Iraq: 2 (USAF)

Medical Evacuation:
On Dec. 19, Air Force HH-60 aircrew and Pararescue Airmen transported 2 patients

Aerial Refueling:
Sorties flown: 34
Fuel delivered: nearly 2.1 million pounds
Aircraft refueled: 125

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

Report: White House Threatens Closure of Offutt AFB in Pursuit of Health Care Vote

Off the Wire:

WASHINGTON, Dec. 17, 2009 -- Over the past few days, some news outlets have reported that Michael Goldfarb, writing at the conservative Weekly Standard Web site, revealed a quote from a Senate source which said the White House is blackmailing Senator Ben Nelson (D-NE) with the threat of putting Offutt Air Force Base in his home state on the next Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) list if Nelson doesn’t support the government health care bill in the Senate.

While the Democrats appease Senator Lieberman, they still have to worry about other recalcitrant Democrats including Nebraska Senator Ben Nelson. Though Lieberman has been out front in the fight against the public option and the Medicare buy-in, Nelson was critical of both. Now that those provisions appear to have been stripped from the bill, Lieberman may get on board, but Nelson's demand that taxpayer money not be used to fund abortion has still not been met. According to a Senate aide, the White House is now threatening to put Nebraska's Offutt Air Force Base on the BRAC list if Nelson doesn't fall into line.

Offutt Air Force Base employs some 10,000 military and federal employees in Southeastern Nebraska. As our source put it, this is a "naked effort by Rahm Emanuel and the White House to extort Nelson's vote." They are "threatening to close a base vital to national security for what?" asked the Senate staffer.

Indeed, Offutt is the headquarters for US Strategic Command, the successor to Strategic Air Command, and not by accident. STRATCOM was located in the middle of the country for strategic reasons. Its closure would be a massive blow to the economy of the state of Nebraska, but it would also be another example of this administration playing politics with our national security.

The Dakota Voice newspaper reported this morning that, in the wake of the news, 20 senators, including Senator John Thune (R-SD), are calling for a probe into the allegations.

These 20 senators have sent a letter to Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Carl Levin (D-MI) asking for this to be investigated.

According to Action 3 News out of Omaha where the base is located, Nelson says his vote is not for sale.

And of course, both the White House and Nelson are saying the threat never happened.

This is certainly understandable; the White House doesn’t want people openly realizing the kind of Chicago politics they play, and Nelson doesn’t want people thinking he’s vulnerable. And if he gives in and votes for this assault on the American way of life, he doesn’t want people thinking he did it because of the threat.

Writing at the Weekly Standard, Goldfarb isn't buying the denial and said late yesterday:

They protest a little too much. I do not know this story is “absolutely false.” To the contrary, I’m confident it’s true. Twenty senators are now calling for an investigation, and each is presumably pretty well sourced in the Senate. If the charges are “absolutely false,” maybe the White House will encourage Senate Democrats to call this Republican bluff. I won’t hold my breath.

(Report from newswire sources.)

Sources:
Weekly Standard report
20 GOP Senators Call for Investigation of Offutt Threat

Pentagon Identifies Air Force Casualty (OEF)

News in Balance:

WASHINGTON, Dec. 16, 2009 -- The following news release made available Wednesday by the U.S. Department of Defense is the text of a statement identifying a casualty:

The Department of Defense announced today the death of an airman who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Tech. Sgt. Anthony C. Campbell Jr., 35, of Florence, Ky., died Dec. 15 of wounds suffered from the detonation of an improvised explosive device in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Campbell was assigned to the 932nd Civil Engineer Squadron, Scott Air Force Base, Ill.

(Report from a U.S. Defense Department news release.)

US Airpower Summary, Dec 15, 2009

Dispatches from the Front:

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Dec. 15, 2009 -- Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations, Dec. 14, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials.

Air Operations in Afghanistan:

Kabul
Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft provided armed overwatch for a friendly forces convoy and dismounted patrol. A request for a show of force was made to deter potential enemy action. The show of force was performed, with flares expended, and was considered successful when no enemy action was noted.

Morghab
Air Force B-1B Lancer aircraft provided armed overwatch for friendly forces assisting an Afghan national police patrol. The patrol reported being hit by enemy fire and a show of force was requested to deter the enemy aggression. The show of force was successful and stopped the enemy fire. A second show of force was requested to deter any further enemy action while finishing the patrol route. The show of force was considered successful as no further enemy action was noted.

Konduz
F-15E aircraft flew armed overwatch and area surveillance for friendly forces. The aircraft was requested to perform a show of force for the friendly forces. When performed, the show of force was considered successful.

Later, F-15E aircraft again flew armed overwatch for friendly forces. The aircraft was requested to perform shows of force for the friendly forces. When performed, the shows of force were considered successful.

F-15E aircraft provided armed overwatch for a friendly forces convoy. The convoy requested a show of force to deter any potential enemy action while enroute to its destination. The show of force was successful as no enemy action was noted.

Tarin Kowt
Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft provided armed overwatch a friendly forces convoy. The aircraft provided route reconnaissance for the convoy and then the friendly forces requested shows of force to deter any enemy activity. The shows of force were successful in deterring any potential enemy action as none was noted.

Lashkar Gah
Navy F/A-18C Hornet aircraft provided armed overwatch and reconnaissance for friendly forces. A show of force was requested over a known enemy fighting position to deter any potential enemy action. The show of force (with flares expended) was successful in deterring enemy action in the area as none was noted.

Gardez
Air Force F-16C aircraft provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. Shows of force were requested to deter possible enemy action during an infiltration operation. The shows of force were successful in deterring enemy action in the area.

Chahar Bagh
Coalition aircraft provided armed overwatch and reconnaissance for friendly forces. A show of force to deter any potential enemy action was requested. The show of force was successfully performed when no enemy action was noted.

Coalition aircraft provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. When the friendly forces reported taking suspicious activity in and around a compound, a show of force to deter any further enemy action was requested. The show of force was successfully performed when no further enemy action was noted.

Sangin
Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet aircraft provided armed overwatch for coalition forces. The coalition forces reported receiving indiscriminant enemy fire from a compound in the area and requested a show of force to deter the enemy action. The show of force (with flares expended) was successful in deterring any further enemy action.
`
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: 163
Short tons of delivered cargo: 680
Passengers: nearly 3,700
Airdropped cargo: nearly 205,000 pounds

Close Air Support:
Sorties flown to support ISAF & Afghan security forces: 76
Sorties flown to support Operation IRAQI FREEDOM: 22

Surveillance & Reconnaissance:
Sorties flown in Afghanistan: 24
Sorties flown in Iraq: 28
Tactical reconnaissance sorties flown in Afghanistan: none
Tactical reconnaissance sorties flown in Iraq: 2 (USAF)

Medical Evacuation:
On Dec. 13, Air Force HH-60 aircrew and Pararescue Airmen transported 9 patients

Aerial Refueling:
Sorties flown: 38
Fuel delivered: nearly 2.1 million pounds
Aircraft refueled: 185

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

US Airpower Summary, Dec. 13, 2009

Dispatches from the Front:

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

Air Operations in Afghanistan:

Surkhabad
Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft were providing armed overwatch for coalition forces. When the coalition forces reported taking enemy fire, a request for air power support was made. The enemy fire points of origin were confirmed and passed to the aircraft. Rockets were fired on the coordinates to mark the enemy fighting positions for cannon fire strafing runs and release of precision guided munitions. The precision guided munitions destroyed the enemy positions and allowed the coalition forces to extract themselves from the location.

Oruzgan
Air Force B-1B Lancer and Coalition aircraft were providing armed overwatch for a friendly forces foot patrol and convoy. The convoy reported being hit by an improvised explosive device that disabled a vehicle. Enemy forces were observed massing for possible attack on the disabled vehicle when shows of force were performed to deter any potential enemy action. Then rockets were released on the enemy, all were successful in eliminating a threat to the friendly forces.

Asadabad
Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft flew armed overwatch for a friendly forces dismounted patrol. When the patrol reported taking enemy small arms fire, precision guided munitions were employed on the enemy position. The enemy position was destroyed and the threat to friendly forces eliminated.

Air Force F-16C aircraft provided armed overwatch and surveillance for friendly forces. The aircraft were requested to observe enemy positions. Coordinates for a possible enemy weapons cache were passed to the aircraft for observation. The aircraft observed enemy forces utilizing this position and requested permission to eliminate the enemy target. Precision guided munitions were released on the site destroying the enemy arms cache.

F-15E aircraft provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. Friendly forces reported intermittent small arms fire and requested air power assistance in stopping the enemy fire. Precision guided munitions were released on the enemy positions destroying the positions and stopping the enemy fire.

Chahar Bagh
A-10 aircraft provided armed overwatch and reconnaissance for a friendly forces patrol. When a vehicle in the area was hit with an improvised explosive device and disabled, a show of force to deter any potential enemy action was requested. The show of force was successfully performed when no enemy action as noted against the disabled vehicle.

A-10 aircraft provided armed overwatch and reconnaissance for a friendly forces patrol. When the friendly patrol reported taking enemy fire, shows of force to deter any further enemy action were requested. The shows of force were successfully performed when no enemy action was noted. The aircraft observed an enemy vehicle trailing the friendly patrol and performed another show of force. The show of force successfully deterred any potential enemy action as the enemy vehicle ceased following the friendly patrol.

Sangin
Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet aircraft provided armed overwatch and surveillance for friendly forces. The friendly forces reported unusual enemy activity in the area and requested a show of force to deter potential enemy action. The show of force was successful in preventing enemy action.

Lashkar Gah
Marine AV-8B Harrier aircraft were providing armed overwatch for a friendly forces convoy. A show of force was requested when the convoy was to pass by a known enemy fighting position. The show of force (with flares expended) was successful in deterring enemy action in the area.

Soltani
F-16C aircraft provided armed overwatch friendly forces. The friendly forces requested a show of force for reassurance that air power was in the area and to deter any enemy activity. The show of force was successful in deterring any potential enemy action as none 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: 142
Short tons of delivered cargo: 607
Passengers: nearly 4,700
Airdropped cargo: nearly 185,000 pounds

Close Air Support:
Sorties flown to support ISAF & Afghan security forces: 67
Sorties flown to support Operation IRAQI FREEDOM: 16

Surveillance & Reconnaissance:
Sorties flown in Afghanistan: 29
Sorties flown in Iraq: 24
Tactical reconnaissance sorties flown in Afghanistan: none
Tactical reconnaissance sorties flown in Iraq: 2 (USAF)

Medical Evacuation:
On December 11, Air Force HH-60 aircrew and Pararescue Airmen transported 8 patients

Aerial Refueling:
Sorties flown: 31
Fuel delivered: nearly 1.9 million pounds
Aircraft refueled: 131

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

US Airpower Summary, Dec. 12, 2009

Dispatches from the Front:

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Dec. 12, 2009 -- Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations December 11 according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

Air Operations in Afghanistan:

Bagram
Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. Shows of force were requested to deter potential enemy action. The shows of force were considered successful when no enemy action was noted.

Mata Khan
Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft provided armed overwatch for a friendly forces convoy. A show of force was requested to deter enemy action when enemy personnel were reported firing on the friendly convoy. The show of force (with numerous flares expended) was considered successful when no further enemy action was noted.

Asadabad
F-15E aircraft provided armed overwatch for a friendly forces convoy. When suspicious enemy activity was noted at an enemy fighting position, precision guided munitions were released on the target coordinates and on enemy reinforcements arriving at the enemy fighting position. The action deterred any potential enemy action as the convoy passed by.

Qarah Bagh
Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. Shows of force were requested to deter enemy action when enemy personnel were observed gathering in force at known enemy fighting positions. The shows of force were considered successful when the enemy forces dispersed and no further 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: 142
Short tons of delivered cargo: 568
Passengers: nearly 3,400
Airdropped cargo: nearly 200,000 pounds

Close Air Support:
Sorties flown to support ISAF & Afghan security forces: 54
Sorties flown to support Operation IRAQI FREEDOM: 18

Surveillance & Reconnaissance:
Sorties flown in Afghanistan: 25
Sorties flown in Iraq: 25
Tactical reconnaissance sorties flown in Afghanistan: NONE
Tactical reconnaissance sorties flown in Iraq: 2 (USAF)

Medical Evacuation:
On December 10, Air Force HH-60 aircrew and Pararescue Airmen transported 7 patients

Aerial Refueling:
Sorties flown: 42
Fuel delivered: nearly 2.5 million pounds
Aircraft refueled: 155

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

US Airpower Summary, Dec. 10, 2009

Dispatches from the Front:

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Dec. 10, 2009 -- Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations, Dec. 9, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials.

Air Operations in Afghanistan:

Asmar
Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. A show of force was requested to deter enemy action when personnel were observed acting suspiciously along a road. 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: 116
Short tons of delivered cargo: 622
Passengers: nearly 3,300
Airdropped cargo: nearly 80,000 pounds

Close Air Support:
Sorties flown to support ISAF & Afghan security forces: 15
Sorties flown to support Operation IRAQI FREEDOM: 26

Surveillance & Reconnaissance:
Sorties flown in Afghanistan: 8
Sorties flown in Iraq: 27
Tactical reconnaissance sorties flown in Afghanistan: 2 (USN)
Tactical reconnaissance sorties flown in Iraq: 2 (USAF)

Medical Evacuation:
On December 08, Air Force HH-60 aircrew and Pararescue Airmen transported 3 patients

Aerial Refueling:
Sorties flown: 38
Fuel delivered: nearly 2.7 million pounds
Aircraft refueled: 201

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