Airpower Summary for Oct. 24, 2008

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

10.24.2008

Courtesy Story

United States Air Forces Central           

By the U.S. Air Forces Central

SOUTHWEST ASIA - Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations, Oct. 24, 2008, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials.

In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs dropped a guided bomb unit-38 and fired cannon rounds onto anti-Afghan forces using small arms fire against coalition forces in the vicinity of Shurakian. The mission was confirmed a success by the Joint Terminal Attack Controller.

In the vicinity of Qalat and Malek Din, coalition aircraft performed shows of force to deter enemy activities. The JTACs reported the missions successful.

An Air Force F-16A Fighting Falcon dropped a GBU-12 onto enemy positions in a building that was using rocket propelled grenades against coalition forces near Lashkar Gah. The mission was declared successful by the JTAC.

In the vicinity of Soltani, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles conducted multi flight shows of force to provide armed aerial overwatch to a coalition convoy that had struck multiple improvised explosive devices and to deter insurgent activities. The JTAC confirmed the mission successful.

An A-10 performed a show of force near Gardez to deter enemy activities. The mission was confirmed a success by the JTAC.

In total, 50 close air support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Fifteen Air Force surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, two coalition aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, coalition aircraft flew 37 close air support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions integrated and synchronized with coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided over watch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Twenty-eight Air Force and Navy surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, two Air Force 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 130 airlift sorties were flown; 390 tons of cargo delivered, and 3,100 passengers were transported. This included approximately 21,600 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Oct. 23, 2008, U.S. Air Force and coalition aerial refueling crews flew 54 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.6 million pounds of fuel to 290 receiving aircraft.

• Date Taken: 10.24.2008
• Date Posted: 10.25.2008 09:56
• Story ID: 25543
• Location: (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)