May 27 airpower summary

  • Published
Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations May 27, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

Air Operations in Afghanistan

Close-Air Support

Kandahar
Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet aircrews provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. The aircrews conducted shows of force, with flares launched, that were determined successful by ground controllers.

Surkhabad
Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. The pilots conducted shows of force to break contact with and deter enemy action. When enemy fire resumed, the pilots conducted a cannon-fire strafing run against the enemy position, which eliminated the threat to friendly forces.

Shurakian
An Air Force B-1B Lancer aircrew provided armed overwatch, surveillance and reconnaissance for friendly forces. The aircrew conducted a show of force to deter an enemy ambush.

Asmar
Air Force F-15-E Strike Eagle aircrews provided armed overwatch and close air support for an Afghan forces patrol. The aircrews observed anti-Afghan forces preparing for an attack. They conducted shows of force to deter enemy action then released precision-guided munitions. Ground controllers declared the actions successful.

Qal-E-Naw
F-15E aircrews provided armed overwatch for friendly forces and a friendly-forces convoy. The aircrews conducted a show of force, with flares launched, to deter anti-Afghan forces activity, which ground controllers declared successful.

Chahar Bagh
F-15E aircrews provided armed overwatch and surveillance for friendly forces. The aircrews conducted a show of force, with flares launched, to deter enemy action. Ground controllers determined the show of force successful.

Airlift Action

Badghis Province
An Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircrew flew a combat-airdrop mission in Badghis Province, Afghanistan, delivering 60,000 pounds of combat-sustainment supplies to friendly forces. Also, an Air Force C-130 Hercules aircrew flew a low-cost, low-altitude airdrop in Badghis Province, Afghanistan, delivering approximately 1,200 pounds of supplies to friendly forces.

Air Operations in Iraq:
Nothing significant to report today.`

Airpower Statistics:

Close-Air Support:
Sorties flown to support ISAF and Afghan security forces: 77
Sorties flown to support Operation Iraqi Freedom: 22

Surveillance and Reconnaissance:
Sorties flown in Afghanistan: 52
Sorties flown in Iraq: 25

On May 26:

Air Mobility:
Air Force airlift sorties: 180
Short tons of delivered cargo: 744
Passengers: approximately 3,800
Airdropped cargo: approximately 61,000 pounds

Aerial Refueling:
Sorties flown: 54
Fuel delivered: approximately 3.1 million pounds
Aircraft refueled: 245

Personnel Recovery, Casualty Evacuation and Aero-medical Evacuations:
Casualty evacuation -- Air Force rescue Airmen transported 13 patients.
Saves: 5
Assists: 8
Other: 0
Hero Flights: 0
Sorties flown to support OEF: 36
Sorties flown to support OIF: 4