Oct.15 airpower summary: F-16 covers coalition convoy Published Oct. 19, 2009 SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNS) -- Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Oct. 15, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet and Air Force MQ-9A Reaper aircraft flew armed overwatch in the Balocan area. The aircraft were given confirmed coordinates for an improvised explosive device factory. Numerous precision-guided munitions were released successfully destroying the facility. In Asadabad, Air Force B-1B Lancer aircraft provided overwatch for friendly forces. Suspicious enemy action was reported in a known enemy compound and a precision-guided munition was released on the enemy position. The action was deemed successful in terminating the threatening activity. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft were in the vicinity of Asmar providing armed overwatch for a friendly forces' convoy. As the convoy went through a known area of enemy activity, a request for a show of force was made to deter enemy action. The convoy passed through the area with no incidents. In Farah, B-1B aircraft provided overwatch. Friendly forces in the area reported enemy activity and called for airpower assistance. When the coordinates for the enemy position were confirmed, the aircraft eliminated the threat with precision-guided munitions. In the same area, friendly forces reported receiving small-arms fire and requested a show of force to deter the enemy action. The show of force was successful in stopping the enemy small-arms fire. In the vicinity of Asadabad, F-16C aircraft provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. The friendly forces reported and confirmed coordinates for an enemy mortar position and requested air power to destroy it. The aircraft released a precision-guided munition on the target destroying the mortar threat. At Asmar, F-15E aircraft provided armed overwatch of an Afghan National Police station that reported receiving small-arms fire. When the point of origin for the attack was confirmed, a precision-guided munition was released destroying the threat. A show of force was also requested to deter additional enemy activity and was considered successful. B-1B aircraft in the vicinity of Ghazni provided armed overwatch for a coalition operation. A show of force was requested and was successful in deterring potential enemy action in the area. F-15E aircraft in the vicinity of Sheykhabad provided armed overwatch for friendly ground forces. Ground forces requested a show of force, in response to an improvised explosive device detonation, to deter further IED attacks. The show of force was successful. Marine AV-8B Harrier aircraft in the vicinity of Lashkar Gah provided armed overwatch for a friendly forces' foot patrol. The patrol reported taking enemy small-arms fire and requested a show of force. The show of forse successfully deterred further enemy action. In the vicinity of Sheykhabad, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. A show of force was requested and successfully deterred potential enemy action in the area. In total, 80 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols. Thirty Air Force, Navy and coalition intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan. In addition, two Navy 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. Twenty-five Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. In addition, two Air Force aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance. 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 153 airlift sorties, 580 short tons of cargo were delivered and about 2,500 passengers were transported. This included about 25,000 pounds of aerial resupply cargo dropped over Afghanistan. Coalition C-130 crews flew as part of operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. On Oct. 14, Air Force HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters and "Guardian Angel" teams transported three 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 HH-60G 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 3.3 million pounds of fuel to 248 receiving aircraft.