Oct. 13 airpower summary: F-16s eliminate threat to friendly forces

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNS) --  Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Oct. 13, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Navy F/A-18C Hornet and F/A-18F Super Hornet aircraft flew armed overwatch in the Sangin area. Coalition forces reported receiving fire from anti-Afghan forces at several enemy positions and requested air power assistance to deter the hostile action. The first aircraft provided a show of force over a suspected mortar position, ending enemy action at that location. The next several aircraft made strafing runs and dropped precision-guided munitions on the other enemy positions as the target coordinates were confirmed. The aircrew actions successfully ended enemy aggression.

At Chahar Bagh, F/A-18C aircraft were providing overwatch for coalition forces. Suspicious enemy action was reported in a known enemy compound and a show of force was performed with flares expended. The show of force was deemed successful as the suspicious activity ceased.

F/A-18C aircraft were in the vicinity of Shinkay providing armed overwatch for a friendly forces' convoy. As the convoy went through the town, a request for a show of force was made to deter any potential enemy action. The convoy passed through the town with no incidents.

Near Asadabad, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons were providing overwatch for friendly forces. The friendly forces reported enemy activity massing for possible attack and called for air power assistance. When the coordinates for the enemy position were confirmed, the aircraft eliminated the threat with precision-guided munitions. The action was successful in deterring any enemy action.

In the vicinity of Morghab, F-16 aircraft were providing armed overwatch for a friendly forces convoy attempting to navigate rough terrain. A show of force was requested to deter enemy action until all vehicles had successfully passed through the area. The show of force was deemed effective as no enemy action was reported.

At Sheykhabad, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft provided overwatch for friendly forces. A show of force was requested to deter potential enemy activity in the area and was considered successful when hostile action occurred.

Thirty-four 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 ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

In Iraq, 28 Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions as part of operations. In addition, two Air Force aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In total, 18 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 134 airlift sorties, delivered 542 short tons of cargo and transported about 2,800 passengers. Airlift included about 12,000 pounds of aerial resupply cargo dropped over Afghanistan.

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

On Oct. 12, Air Force HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopters and "Guardian Angel" teams transported 15 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 52 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.5 million pounds of fuel to 270 receiving aircraft.