Oct. 12 airpower summary: A-10s make strafing runs on enemy position

  • Published
SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNS) --  Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Oct. 12, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs flew armed overwatch in the Chahar Bagh area. Friendly forces reported receiving sporadic fire from anti-Afghan forces and requested air support to deter the enemy action. When target coordinates were confirmed, the aircraft made a show of force ending the attack.

Coalition aircraft flew armed overwatch in the Sangin area. The aircraft were searching for suspicious activity in an area where friendly forces were active. They reported seeing enemy small-arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades being discharged at the friendly forces. A show of force was conducted successfully deterring the enemy action.

An Air Force MQ-9A Reaper provided armed overwatch for friendly ground forces at Asadabad. The Reaper operator reported that there was small-arms fire directed at the friendly position. The point of origin for the enemy fire was confirmed and the Reaper released a precision-guided munition on the enemy position destroying it.

In Lashkar Gah, Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet aircraft provided overwatch for a coalition forces' patrol. Suspicious activity was observed in buildings the patrol was approaching. A show of force was executed with flares expended successfully deterring any potential enemy action.

Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft provided armed overwatch for friendly forces at Sheykhabad. Activity was confirmed at a known enemy position and a precision guided munition was deployed on the coordinates destroying the target.

In the vicinity of Badikheil,  Friendly forces came under enemy small-arms fire. The friendly forces requested A-10 air support to deter the enemy aggression. The aircraft made several strafing runs of cannon fire on the enemy position and then destroyed it with a precision-guided munition.

At Oruzgan and Remak, F-15E aircraft provided overwatch for friendly forces. Possible enemy action was observed when a large crowd suddenly gathered. Several shows of force were successfully conducted to deter possible enemy action.

Thirty-one 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, 90 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, 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.

Air Force airlift crews flew 153 airlift sorties, delivered 402 short tons of cargo and transported about 3,400 passengers. Airlift included about 70,000 pounds of aerial resupply cargo dropped over Afghanistan.

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

On Oct. 11, 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 the helicopters 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 51 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.4 million pounds of fuel to 241 receiving aircraft.