Feb. 12 airpower summary

  • Published
Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Feb. 12, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

Air Operations in Afghanistan:

Close Air Support
Lashkar Gah
Air Force MQ-9A Reaper operators provided armed overwatch for a friendly forces operation. The operators observed enemy forces digging in the road at multiple locations. Operators indentified the individuals as enemy forces setting up an improvised explosive device and eliminated the threat to friendly forces with a missile.

MQ-9A operators provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. Ground controllers positively identified enemy forces laying command wire for an IED emplacement. MQ-9A Operators eliminated the threat to friendly forces with a missile.

MQ-9A operators provided armed overwatch for friendly forces during a ground operation. Operators observed enemy forces emplacing IEDs at two locations. After positive identification of enemy forces, operators eliminated the threat to friendly forces with a missile. Later, operators observed additional enemy forces emplacing IEDs along a bridge. This threat to friendly forces was also eliminated with a missile.

Armed overwatch was provided by MQ-9A operators for friendly forces. Operators observed enemy forces planting IEDs along a roadway. Operators eliminated the threat to friendly forces with a missile.

Asadabad
Air Force F-16C pilots provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. When friendly forces came under small-arms and grenade fire, ground controllers called for air support on a known, historic enemy fighting position, identified as the source of enemy fire. Pilots employed a precision-guided munition against the enemy position eliminating the threat to the friendly forces. A short time later, another known enemy fighting position opened fire on friendly forces and pilots eliminated the threat with precision-guided munitions.

Surkhabad
Navy F/A-18C Hornet pilots provided armed overwatch for coalition ground forces. The pilots conducted close air support for ground forces when they came under enemy fire from several locations. Pilots first conducted a show of force then utilized strafing and precision-guided munitions to counter enemy fire. The enemy positions were rendered ineffective, which stopped enemy activity.

Asmar
An Air Force B-1B Lancer aircrew provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. The aircrew conducted a show of force in order to deter enemy fire. The show of force was declared successful when no enemy action was noted.

Balocan
Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots provided armed overwatch and reconnaissance for friendly forces. When friendly forces reported taking enemy small arms fire, pilots conducted a show of force to facilitate a break in contact between the friendly forces and enemy forces. The show of force was successful when no further enemy action was noted.

Remak
A B-1B aircrew provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. The aircrew conducted a show of force in order to deter enemy fire. The show of force was declared successful when no enemy action was noted. Later, the aircrew provided armed overwatch in support of a stalled friendly forces convoy.

Airlift Action
Balkh Province
An Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircrew flew a combat-resupply mission in Balkh Province, Afghanistan, airdropping approximately 70,000 pounds of supplies to friendly forces.

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

Zabul Province
A C-130 aircrew flew a combat-airdrop mission in Farah Province, Afghanistan, delivering approximately 22,000 pounds of supplies to friendly forces.

Air Operations in Iraq:
There was no significant action to report today.

Air Power Statistics:

Close-Air Support:
-- Sorties flown to support ISAF and Afghan security forces: 69
-- Sorties flown to support Operation Iraqi Freedom: 28

Surveillance & Reconnaissance:
-- Sorties flown in Afghanistan: 40
-- Sorties flown in Iraq: 28

Medical Evacuation:
On Feb. 11, Air Force HH-60 Pave Hawk aircrews and pararescue Airmen transported 7 patients

Aerial Refueling:
-- Sorties flown: 42
-- Fuel delivered: nearly 2.6 million pounds
-- Aircraft refueled: 216

Air Mobility:
-- U.S. Air Force airlift sorties: 177
-- Short tons of delivered cargo: 815
-- Passengers: nearly 4,300
-- Airdropped cargo: approximately 125,000 pounds