April 15 airpower summary

  • Published
Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations April 15 according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

Air Operations in Afghanistan

Close-Air Support

Bagram
An Air Force B-1B Lancer aircrew provided armed overwatch and area reconnaissance for a friendly forces convoy. The aircrew conducted a show of force to deter enemy action. The show of force was reported successful by the on-scene joint terminal attack controllers.

Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet aircrews provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. The aircrews conducted a show of force, with flares launched, that ground controllers declared successful.

Konduz
Numerous Air Force aircraft provided armed overwatch for friendly forces convoys, ground patrols and a medical evacuation operation. Aircrews flying F-16 Fighting Falcons, F-15E Strike Eagles and a B-1B Lancer conducted shows of force, some with flares launched, and a show of presence to deter enemy action in the area. All shows of force and the show of presence were deemed successful by ground controllers as the intent of each requested action was met.

Surkhabad
Coalition and Navy F/A-18C Hornet pilots provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. Shows of force were conducted, some with flares launched, to deter enemy activity and enemy heavy-weapons fire against friendly forces. Ground controllers determined the shows of force to be successful when no further enemy action was noted.

Ghazni
F-15E aircrews provided armed overwatch for a coalition convoy. The aircrews conducted a show of force to deter anti-Afghan forces activity in the vicinity of the convoy. The show of force, with flares launched, was declared successful by ground controllers.

Balocan
Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. At the direction of friendly ground forces, pilots conducted shows of force, with flares launched, to deter enemy action. The shows of force were reported successful.

Sheykhabad
F-16C pilots provided armed overwatch for friendly forces and a helicopter operation. A show of force was conducted to deter enemy fire against friendly forces. The show of force was declared successful when enemy fire ceased.

Airlift Action

Paktika Province
An Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircrew flew a combat-resupply mission in Paktika Province, Afghanistan, airdropping 60,000 pounds of combat-sustainment supplies to friendly forces.

Helmand Province
An Air Force C-130 Hercules aircrew flew a combat-resupply mission in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, delivering approximately 35,000 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: 85
Sorties flown to support Operation Iraqi Freedom: 22

Surveillance and Reconnaissance:
Sorties flown in Afghanistan: 43
Sorties flown in Iraq: 27

On April 14:

Air Mobility:
U.S. Air Force airlift sorties: 174
Short tons of delivered cargo: 883
Passengers: approximately 3,400
Airdropped cargo: approximately 95,000 pounds

Aerial Refueling:
Sorties flown: 47
Fuel delivered: approximately 3 million pounds
Aircraft refueled: 228

Personnel Recovery, Casualty Evacuation and Aero-medical Evacuations:
Casualty evacuation -- Air Force rescue Airmen transported 28 patients
Saves: 4
Assists: 23
Other: 1
Hero Flights: 0
Sorties flown to support OEF: 44
Sorties flown to support OIF: 7