Oct.16 airpower summary: C-130s sustain operations in Southwest Asia

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNS) --  Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Oct. 16, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle and F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft flew armed overwatch in the Asmar area. Friendly forces reported receiving fire from anti-Afghan forces at several enemy positions and requested airpower assistance to deter the hostile action. The first of the aircraft provided a show of force over a suspected enemy position, deterring potential enemy attack. The next aircraft made a show of force over another suspected enemy position again successfully deterring enemy action. Aircrews then received confirmed coordinates on additional enemy positions and released several precision guided munitions destroying the targets. The aircraft were then assigned to search for enemy personnel in the vicinity and to provide surveillance for a friendly forces' convoy.

Near Lashkar Gah, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft provided overwatch for friendly forces. Threatening enemy action was anticipated from a vehicle transporting enemy personnel. A rocket was fired at the vehicle followed by three strafing runs of cannon fire destroying the threat.

A-10 aircraft were in the vicinity of Gereshk providing armed overwatch for friendly forces. The aircrew were instructed to search for possible enemy forces massing for attack when the friendly forces reported receiving enemy fire. The point of origin was confirmed and a strafing run was completed, destroying the position and dispersing the remainder of the enemy forces.

Near Asadabad, F-15E aircraft in the skies providing overwatch for friendly forces who reported receiving enemy fire. The coordinates for the enemy position were confirmed and the aircraft eliminated the threat with a precision guided munition.

In the vicinity of Ghazni, F-15E aircraft were providing armed overwatch for a friendly forces' convoy that was struck twice by improvised explosive devices. Shows of force were requested to deter enemy action during a helicopter extraction operation at the convoy site and to allow vehicles to be cleared so that the convoy could continue. The shows of force were deemed effective as no additional enemy action occurred.

At Oruzgan, F-15E aircraft provided overwatch for friendly forces. When the friendly forces reported being hit with enemy small-arms fire, rocket-propelled grenades and mortars a request for air support was made. The point of origin for the enemy fire was observed by the aircraft. Several strafing runs were made on the coordinates terminating all action from the position.

In the vicinity of Asmar, F-15E aircraft were seen several times providing armed overwatch for friendly forces. Shows of force were requested to deter enemy action against the friendly forces when enemy movement was observed in the area. The shows of force were successful in achieving the desired results.

F-15E aircraft were in the air over Sheykhabad providing armed overwatch for a friendly forces' convoy when it was struck by an improvised explosive device. A show of force was successfully conducted deterring further enemy action while the friendly forces cleared the damaged vehicle.

There were F-15E aircraft in the air over Kabul in support of Afghan, Coalition and friendly forces. A show of force was requested and was successful in deterring potential enemy action.

An Air Force B-1B Lancer aircraft was in the vicinity of Chahar Bagh providing reconnaissance for activity in known enemy positions. A show of force was requested to deter any potential enemy action that could threaten a friendly forces' ground patrol. The show of force successfully deterred enemy action. 

Thirty-two Air Force, Navy and coalition intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan.

In total, 70 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

In Iraq, 26 Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. In addition, two Air Force aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In total, 20 close-air-support missions were flown in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions integrated and synchronized with ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided overwatch for reconstruction activities, and helped to deter and disrupt hostile activities.

Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intra-theater heavy airlift, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Air Force airlift crews flew 138 airlift sorties; 431 short tons of cargo were delivered; and about 2,300 passengers were transported. This included about 100,000 pounds of aerial resupply cargo dropped over Afghanistan.

Coalition C-130 crews flew as part of operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.

On Oct. 15, Air Force HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopters and "Guardian Angel" teams transported 17 patients to coalition field hospitals from locations in Afghanistan. Pararescue team members aboard located, rescued and began treatment to stabilize patients in the battlefield. The Pave Hawks transported these patients to field hospitals in less time than it takes for a civilian patient to reach emergency care by ambulance in most major cities.

Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 48 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3 million pounds of fuel to 256 receiving aircraft.