Oct.18 airpower summary: F-15s destroy enemy position

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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. 18, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. 

In Iraq, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II and B-1B Lancer aircraft provided overwatch for a friendly forces' convoy in Morghab. The convoy was hit numerous times by enemy small arms fire. When rocket-propelled grenade fire caused the lead vehicle to roll, shows of force were requested to support rescue efforts. The shows of force were successfully conducted, some with flares expended, causing the enemy to cease fire and allowing the convoy to continue without further incident.

In Afghanistan, Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft flew armed overwatch in the Asmar area. Friendly forces reported activity of anti-Afghan forces at several known enemy positions and requested air power assistance to deter hostile action. Aircrews confirmed coordinates of the enemy positions and released numerous precision-guided munitions, destroying the targets. The aircraft continued to search for enemy personnel in the vicinity and provided overwatch of friendly forces.

Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft were in the vicinity of Asmar providing armed overwatch for friendly forces that reported enemy small arms fire. A request for air power assistance was made and a show of force conducted. When the show of force did not completely stop the enemy fire, precision-guided munitions were released, destroying the position.

Tarin Kowt saw Air Force MQ-9A Reaper, A-10 and B-1B aircraft in the skies providing overwatch for friendly forces that reported receiving enemy fire. Point of origin coordinates were confirmed for the source of the attack. Precision-guided munitions, rockets and strafing runs of cannon fire were employed to successfully destroy the threat.

In the vicinity of Chahar Bagh, F-15E and coalition aircraft were providing reconnaissance for enemy activity and armed overwatch for friendly forces, when enemy movement was observed and precision-guided munitions were used to destroy the threat.

In total, 80 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Thirty-one Air Force, Navy and coalition surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan. In addition, two Navy aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In total, 22 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.

Twenty-seven Air Force and Navy surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. In addition, two Air Force aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance. 

Air Force C-130 Hercules 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 157 airlift sorties, delivered 551 short tons of cargo and transported approximately 3,600 passengers. This included approximately 65,000 pounds of resupply cargo dropped over Afghanistan.

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

On Oct. 17, Air Force HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopters and "Guardian Angel" teams transported seven patients to coalition field hospitals from locations in Afghanistan. Pararescue team members aboard located, rescued and began treatment to stabilize patients in the battlefield. 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 47 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.1 million pounds of fuel to 215 receiving aircraft.