April 7 airpower summary

  • Published
Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations April 7 according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

Air Operations in Afghanistan

Close-Air Support


Asadabad,
Air Force F-15-E Strike Eagle aircrews provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. The aircrews were tasked with eliminating an enemy firing position that was an imminent threat to friendly forces. A precision-guided munition was released against the enemy position, which eliminated the threat and achieved the ground commanders' intent.

Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon pilots provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. The pilots conducted a show of force, with flares launched, to deter enemy activity in the area. The show of force was reported successful with desired effects achieved.

F-15E aircrews provided close-air support for a military operation in the area. The aircrews conducted a show of force to deter anti-Afghan forces activity during the operation. The show of force was considered successful when no enemy activity was noted.

Surkhabad
Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots provided armed overwatch of friendly forces. The aircrews conducted a show of force, with flares launched, which was determined successful by ground controllers.

Qalat
An Air Force B-1B Lancer aircrew provided armed overwatch for friendly forces and a dismounted friendly patrol. The aircrew conducted a show of force to deter enemy small-arms fire in the area. The show of force was successful and friendly forces were able to continue their mission.

Shurakian
Coalition aircrews provided armed overwatch for a friendly-forces patrol. The aircrews observed enemy forces firing at friendly forces and noted an improvised explosive device detonation. At the direction of friendly ground forces, the aircrews fired a missile against the IED location as enemy forces were attempting to emplace another IED. The engagement eliminated the threat to friendly forces.

Chahar Bagh
Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet aircrews provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. The aircrews observed enemy forces firing at friendly forces and, at the direction of friendly ground forces, conducted a strafing run against an enemy fighting position. The engagement eliminated the threat to the friendly forces. The aircrews also conducted a successful show of force to deter further enemy action.

Sol Tani
F-15E aircrews provided armed overwatch for a friendly-forces convoy stopped by an improvised explosive device. The aircrews conducted a show of force and shows of presence, which were declared successful by ground commanders.

Moqor
A B-1B aircrew provided armed overwatch for friendly forces and a friendly-forces convoy. The aircrew conducted a show of force to deter enemy fire in the vicinity of the friendly forces. The show of force was declared successful by ground forces.

Kon
F-15E aircrews provided armed overwatch for a friendly-forces patrol and an Afghan National Army operation. The aircrews conducted a show of force to deter enemy action in the vicinity of the ANA force. The show of force was declared successful by ground forces.

Airlift Action

Zabul Province
Air Force C-130 Hercules and C-17 Globemaster III aircrews flew combat airdrop missions in Zabul Province, Afghanistan, delivering approximately 70,000 pounds of supplies to friendly forces.

Nimroz Province
A C-130 aircrew flew combat-resupply missions in Nimroz Province, Afghanistan, airdropping 34,000 pounds of combat-sustainment supplies to friendly forces.

Badghis Province
A C-17 aircrew flew combat-resupply missions in Badghis Province, Afghanistan, airdropping 70,000 pounds of combat-sustainment supplies to friendly forces.

Farah Province
A C-130 aircrew flew a combat-resupply mission in Farah Province, Afghanistan, airdropping 24,000 pounds of combat-sustainment supplies to friendly forces.

Helmand Province
A C-130 aircrew flew combat-resupply missions in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, airdropping 15,000 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: 89
Sorties flown to support Operation Iraqi Freedom: 20

Surveillance and Reconnaissance:
Sorties flown in Afghanistan: 43
Sorties flown in Iraq: 26

On April 6:


Air Mobility:
Air Force airlift sorties: 181
Short tons of delivered cargo: 723
Passengers: approximately 3,900
Airdropped cargo: approximately 215,000 pounds

Aerial Refueling:
Sorties flown: 47
Fuel delivered: approximately 3.1 million pounds
Aircraft refueled: 206

Personnel Recovery, Casualty Evacuation and Aero-medical Evacuations:
Casualty evacuation -- Air Force rescue Airmen transported 25 patients
Saves: 7
Assists: 8
Other: 10
Hero Flights: 0
Sorties flown to support OEF: 33
Sorties flown to support OIF: 2