April 20 airpower summary

  • Published
Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations April 20 according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

Air Operations in Afghanistan

Close-Air Support

Qal E Naw
An Air Force B-1B Lancer aircrew provided armed overwatch for friendly forces and a friendly dismounted patrol. When friendly forces reported enemy small-arms fire and rocket-propelled grenade fire, the aircrew released several precision-guided munitions and conducted a show of force against friendly forces. The engagement and show of force were declared successful by ground controllers.

A second B-1B aircrew provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. The aircrew conducted a show of force to deter enemy action. The show of force was declared successful by on-scene joint terminal air controllers.

Morghab
A B-1B aircrew provided armed overwatch for a friendly-forces dismounted patrol. The aircrew released precision-guided munitions on a tree line enemy position to deter enemy fire against friendly forces. The engagement was declared successful by ground control.

Coalition aircrews conducted a show of force to deter anti-Afghan forces activity. The show of force was confirmed successful by on-scene JTACs.

Remak
Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircrews provided armed overwatch for a friendly-forces convoy and dismounted patrol. The aircrews conducted shows of force, one with flares launched, to deter enemy fire against friendly forces. Ground controllers confirmed the shows of force were successful.

Navy F/A-18C Hornet pilots provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. The pilots conducted a show of force, with flares launched, which ground controllers determined successful.

Konduz
F-15E aircrews provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. Aircrews conducted a show of force, with flares launched, to deter anti-Afghan activity. Ground controllers confirmed the show of force was successful.

A B-1B aircrew conducted a show of force to deter enemy activity which was declared successful when enemy activity ceased.

Gereshk
Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet aircrews provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. The aircrews conducted a show of force that ground controllers determined successful.

Airlift Action

Zabul Province
Air Force C-130 Hercules aircrews flew combat airdrop missions in Zabul Province, Afghanistan, delivering approximately 34,000 and 35,000 pounds of sustainment supplies to friendly forces.

Ghazni Province
A C-130 aircrew flew combat-resupply missions in Ghazni Province, Afghanistan, airdropping approximately 27,000 pounds of combat-sustainment supplies to friendly forces.

Farah Province
Air Force C-130 and C-17 Globemaster III aircrews flew combat-resupply missions in Farah Province, Afghanistan, airdropping approximately 22,000 pounds and 39,000 pounds of combat-sustainment 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: 87
Sorties flown to support Operation Iraqi Freedom: 20

Surveillance and Reconnaissance:
Sorties flown in Afghanistan: 41
Sorties flown in Iraq: 24

On April 19:

Air Mobility:
Air Force airlift sorties: 183
Short tons of delivered cargo: 865
Passengers: approximately 3,500
Airdropped cargo: approximately 157,000 pounds

Aerial Refueling:
Sorties flown: 51
Fuel delivered: approximately 3.1 million pounds
Aircraft refueled: 235

Personnel Recovery, Casualty Evacuation and Aero-medical Evacuations:
Casualty evacuation -- Air Force rescue Airmen transported 10 patients
Saves: 5
Assists: 5
Other: 0
Hero Flights: 0
Sorties flown to support OEF: 28
Sorties flown to support OIF: 9