Oct. 17 airpower summary: A-10s provide armed overwatch

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNS) --  Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Oct. 17, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons flew armed overwatch in the Asmar area. Friendly forces reported several enemy positions and requested air power assistance to deter potential hostile action.  Aircrews received confirmed coordinates on the enemy positions and released several precision-guided munitions destroying the targets. The aircraft were then assigned to search for enemy people in the vicinity and to provide continued support for the friendly forces.

At Tani, F-16s were providing overwatch for friendly forces. Hostile action was anticipated from confirmed enemy people in the area. Air power was requested and precision-guided munitions were dropped to eliminate the threat.

Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles were in the vicinity of Ghazni providing armed overwatch for a friendly forces convoy. Aircrews were instructed to search for enemy forces in the vicinity of the convoy route and a show of force was made when an attack was anticipated. The show of force was considered successful as an attack did not happen.

Near Surkhabad Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided overwatch for friendly forces. When suspicious activity and an enemy troop buildup at a known enemy position were observed, a show of force was requested. The show of force, with flares expended, was successful in deterring potential enemy action.

In the vicinity of Asadabad, F-16s were providing armed overwatch for friendly forces when they received a call from a patrol for air support when threatened by enemy crossfire. Confirmed coordinates were provided for the two positions and a precision-guided munition was released on one. The position was destroyed. The other position ceased fire allowing the patrol to move through the area.

At Sheykhabad, a coalition aircraft was providing overwatch for friendly forces in the area when they reported an angry mob that was becoming uncontrollable.  A show of force was requested. The location of the demonstration was observed by the aircrew and the show of force performed. The crowd then dispersed, diffusing the situation.

In the vicinity of Chahar Bagh and Remak, A-10 and F-15E aircraft were 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 areas. The shows of force were successful in achieving the desired results.

Navy F/A-18E/F Super Hornets were in the vicinity of Chahar Bagh and Sangin providing reconnaissance for activity in known enemy positions. Shows of force were requested that successfully deterred potential enemy action.

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

In total, 73 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols. In addition, two Navy aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, 25 Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions as part of operations there. In addition, two Air Force aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In total, 24 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.

U.S. Air Force airlift crews flew 160 airlift sorties, delivered 458 short tons of cargo and transported about 3,800 passengers. Airlift included about 115,000 pounds of aerial resupply cargo dropped over Afghanistan.

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

On Oct. 16, Air Force HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopters and "Guardian Angel" teams transported 12 patients to coalition field hospitals from locations in Afghanistan. Pararescue team members aboard the helicopters 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 43 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.6 million pounds of fuel to 195 receiving aircraft.