Feb. 16 airpower summary

  • Published
Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Feb. 16 according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

Air Operations in Afghanistan:

Close-Air Support

Chahar Bagh
Coalition aircraft provided armed overwatch for friendly-forces operations. The operators observed enemy forces firing on friendly forces then eliminated the threat with a missile.

Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots provided close-air support for friendly ground forces. While a convoy searched for improvised explosive devices and cleared a path for following ground forces, the pilots conducted shows of force to deter potential enemy action when suspicious personnel and activity was observed. The shows of force were declared successful when no enemy action was noted.

Surkhabad
Navy F/A-18C Hornet pilots provided armed overwatch and reconnaissance for friendly ground forces. The pilots conducted a show of force to counter potential enemy fire. The show of force was declared successful by ground control.

Asadabad
Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon pilots working with Air Force MQ-1B Predator operators provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. The F-16 pilots employed multiple precision-guided munitions against enemy forces along a ridgeline, eliminating a threat to the friendly forces on the ground. A short time later, the Predator operators identified and eliminated additional enemy forces with a missile.

Asmar
Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircrews provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. The aircrews received orders to eliminate an enemy stronghold. When they received coordinates for the position, they released precision-guided munitions and the threat to friendly forces was eliminated.

Soltani
F-16C pilots provided armed overwatch and reconnaissance for friendly forces. The pilots conducted shows of force to facilitate a break in contact between friendly and enemy forces.

Remak
Coalition aircrews provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. The aircrews conducted shows of force that were declared successful when no enemy action was noted.

Airlift Action

Badghis Province
An Air Force C-130 Hercules aircrew flew a combat-resupply mission in Badghis Province, Afghanistan, airdropping approximately 35,000 pounds of supplies to friendly forces.

Konar Province
An Air Force C-130 aircrew flew a combat-resupply mission in Konar Province, Afghanistan, airdropping approximately 30,000 pounds of combat-sustainment supplies to friendly forces.

Zabul Province
An Air Force C-130 aircrew flew a combat-airdrop mission in Zabul Province, Afghanistan, delivering approximately 28,000 pounds of supplies to friendly forces.

Air Operations in Iraq:

There was no significant action to report today.

Airpower Statistics:

Close-Air Support:
Sorties flown to support ISAF and Afghan security forces: 81
Sorties flown to support Operation Iraqi Freedom: 20

Surveillance and Reconnaissance:
Sorties flown in Afghanistan: 37
Sorties flown in Iraq: 29

On February 15

Medical Evacuation:
Air Force HH-60 Pave Hawk aircrews and pararescue Airmen transported 20 patients

Aerial Refueling:
Sorties flown: 43
Fuel delivered: nearly 2.8 million pounds
Aircraft refueled: 244

Air Mobility:
Air Force airlift sorties: 182
Short tons of delivered cargo: 1,106
Passengers: nearly 3,100
Airdropped cargo: approximately 95,000 pounds