Airpower Summary for March 14, 2009

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

03.15.2009

Courtesy Story

United States Air Forces Central           

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SOUTHWEST ASIA — Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International security assistance force in Afghanistan in the following operations, March 14, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials.

In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs used 30mm Avenger cannon strafes and guided bomb unit-38s to target a concentrated force of anti-Afghan fighters after they initiated an attack on a coalition patrol near Musa Qala. The A-10s then stayed on station providing strafes and bomb drops as the enemy attempted to press their offensive. One A-10's precision GBU-38 strike hit enemy forces just a few hundred meters from the coalition position. Multiple enemy rocket propelled grenade, rifle, and machine gun teams were killed in the engagement. Navy F/A-18F Super Hornets arrived at the end of the firefight to provide air cover as a coalition medical helicopter arrived to retrieve casualties.

Another battle took place near a coalition forward base in Bagram, with several flights of Air Force A-10s, F-15Es Strike Eagles and B-1B Lancers arriving to assist ground forces. During the fight, the jets employed shows of force, numerous strafing attacks, and a number of both guided and general-purpose munitions to hit anti-Afghan personnel massed in the open and in fighting positions along the mountainsides. A-10s also marked ground targets with smoke in order to coordinate strikes and help orient friendly air and ground forces. The enemy force suffered severe losses during their unsuccessful attack.

Near Nangalam, a group of enemy gunmen readying for an attack on a coalition unit was detected by an Army UAV. The gunmen were holding position, apparently waiting for nearby F-15E and A-10 fighters flying overwatch to leave. When the jets pulled back to a hold position out of visual range, the gunmen began firing and attempted an assault. The jets returned, dropping GBU-38s on the enemy's positions, and quickly ended the fight.

Super Hornets flew shows of force and expended flares over Ghazni, deterring a group of enemy personnel taking shots at a coalition convoy. The enemy group withdrew after the aircraft arrived, letting the convoy pass without further escalation.

Near Monari, a Super Hornet executed a show of force when a coalition convoy spotted armed enemy personnel posing an immediate threat. Anti-Afghan forces fled the area upon the arrival of the jets.

F-15Es performed shows of force to prevent enemy attack in Sheykhabad during coalition operations there. Friendly ground forces moved through the area and continued on their missions without interference from the enemy.

A UK Royal Air Force GR-9 Harrier performed route clearance, searching for IEDs over supply routes and highways in Helmand province. The aircraft also performed a show of force in the vicinity of Lashkar Gah to deter enemy action.

In the Moqor area, a coalition aircraft conducted an aerial search for enemy equipment and weapons. The jet also provided a show of force for a coalition forward base to deter enemy activity.

Joint Terminal Attack Controllers assigned to coalition units verified the success of these missions.

In total, 75 close air support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

In Iraq, coalition aircraft flew 2 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.

Twenty-four Air Force and Navy surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq.

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.

Approximately 110 airlift sorties were flown; more than 460 tons of cargo was delivered; and about 2,900 passengers were transported. This included approximately 138,000 pounds of troop re-supply that was air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On March 13, U.S. Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 39 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.8 million pounds of fuel to 196 receiving aircraft.