Airpower Summary for May 9

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

05.12.2009

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 May 9, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs responded to an anti-Afghan forces attack against a coalition position near Asmar by targeting enemy forces with general purpose 500-pound bombs. The jets hit the enemy positions on an overlooking ridge line after the attackers began shooting at the facility using rocket propelled grenades and automatic weapons.

In the vicinity of Nurestan, A-10s conducted multiple strafing runs and dropped 500-pound bombs on groups of anti-Afghan forces personnel preparing to attack a coalition forward base. The aircraft hit several groups of enemy gunmen with cannon bursts and bombs then performed rapid evasive maneuvers and expended flares to avoid anti-Afghan forces' return fire. The jets used smoke marking rounds to confirm the location of enemy targets with ground forces prior to releasing weapons.

A UK Royal Air Force GR-9 Harrier flew a show of force in the Lashkar Gah area, suppressing enemy fire after an Afghan and coalition security forces patrol took rocket propelled grenade and automatic weapons fire from a concealed bunker. The aircraft remained overhead to provide cover as wounded personnel were collected and evacuated via helicopter.

Near Gardez, a Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet executed a show of force and expended flares over an enemy position prior to an Afghan national army and coalition dismounted patrol. The show of force thwarted a planned enemy ambush when anti-Afghan forces personnel realized their location was known and fled the area. Later, an A-10 flew a show of force and expended flares to deter further enemy action as the patrol prepared to depart the area.

Navy and coalition aircraft preemptively flew shows of force near Shurakian, Sheykhabad, and Lashkar Gah to deter enemy forces as Afghan national army and coalition forces conducted security and reconstruction convoy operations. The aircraft provided increased security presence which limited enemy forces' freedom of action and contributed to the success of Afghan and coalition objectives.

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

In total, 74 close air support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

In Iraq, coalition aircraft flew 20 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-three Air Force and Navy surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. In addition, four Air Force and coalition 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.

Approximately 150 airlift sorties were flown; 425 tons of cargo was delivered; and about 5,000 passengers were transported.

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

On May 8, U.S. Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 40 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.5 million pounds of fuel to 170 receiving aircraft.