Airpower Summary for February 4

SOUTHWEST ASIA — Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations, Feb. 4, 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 for friendly forces. The pilots released precision-guided munitions on an enemy firing position to deter enemy fire against friendly forces. The action was declared successful when the enemy fire ceased.

Asadabad, RC-E
U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircrews provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. The aircrews released a precision-guided weapon on an enemy firing position to deter enemy fire against friendly forces. The action was declared successful when the enemy broke contact with friendly forces without further incident.

Air Force F-15E aircrews provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. The aircrews conducted a show of force, with flares launched, over a known enemy fighting position to deter potential enemy action. The show of force was declared successful when no enemy action was noted.

Konduz, RC-N
U.S. Air Force F-15E aircrews flew several missions in the skies above Konduz. Early in the morning, they provided armed overwatch for a convoy. After the convoy arrived at its destination, aircrews conducted a show of force over an enemy position to deter any potential enemy action. The show of force was declared successful by ground control.

Musa Qala, RC-S
Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. Pilots conducted a show of force to deter enemy fire. The shows of force were declared successful when no enemy action was noted. Later, pilots released a precision-guided munition on an enemy firing position that had opened fire on friendly forces. The action was considered successful when the enemy fire stopped.

Almar, RC-N
U.S. Air Force F-16C pilots and F-15E aircrews flew several mission while in the air over Almar. They provided armed overwatch for friendly forces, then provided armed overwatch for a friendly-forces convoy, which had been ambushed earlier in the night. The aircrews and pilots provided armed overwatch for friendly forces again when the friendly ground forces came under enemy fire. The pilots and aircrews released precision-guided munitions on the enemy fighting position forcing a break in contact. With the enemy fire stopped, friendly forces were able to move away from the enemy position.

Balocan, RC-S
U.S. Navy F/A-18C Hornet pilots provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. The pilots conducted a show of force, with flares launched, in order to deter the enemy. The show of force was declared successful when no enemy action was noted.

Musa Gelah, RC-E
U.S. Air Force A-10 pilots were directed to destroy an enemy firing position that was firing on friendly forces. The pilots engaged the target with a cannon-fire strafing run. The pilots also released a precision-guided weapon, which rendered the position useless to enemy forces.

Airlift Action

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

Kunar province, RC-E
A U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules aircrew flew a combat-resupply mission in Kunar province, Afghanistan, delivering approximately 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 35,000 pounds of combat-sustainment 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, delivering approximately 70,000 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: 65
Sorties flown to support Operation IRAQI FREEDOM: 21

Surveillance & Reconnaissance:
Sorties flown in Afghanistan: 9
Sorties flown in Iraq: 30
Tactical reconnaissance sorties flown in Afghanistan: NONE
Tactical reconnaissance sorties flown in Iraq: 2 (USAF)

On Feb. 3
Medical Evacuation:
Air Force HH-60 aircrews and Pararescue Airmen transported 5 patients

Aerial Refueling:
Sorties flown: 45
Fuel delivered: nearly 2.9 million pounds
Aircraft refueled: 221

Air Mobility:
U.S. Air Force airlift sorties: 151
Short tons of delivered cargo: 959
Passengers: nearly 3,400
Airdropped cargo: nearly 170,000 pounds