Oct. 10 airpower summary: Airlifters provide aerial resupply

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

In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles, A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and MQ-9A Reapers flew armed overwatch in the Orguzgan area. Friendly forces reported receiving fire from several anti-Afghan forces positions and requested air power assistance to deter the enemy action. Multiple targets were confirmed. The aircraft deployed numerous precision-guided munitions and made several strafing runs, destroying the targets and ending the attacks.

There were F-15E aircraft in the air at Asadabad flying armed overwatch for friendly forces. The friendly forces reported receiving enemy small-arms fire and requested air support. The point of origin for the enemy fire was confirmed and a precision-guided munition was released on the coordinates, ending the enemy fire.

At Chaharbagh, coalition aircraft were providing overwatch for friendly forces when threatening enemy activity was reported. A show of force was performed over the area and was deemed successful in deterring enemy action.

In the vicinity of Asadabad, F-15E aircraft were providing overwatch for a friendly forces convoy. The friendly forces reported activity at a known enemy position. A precision-guided munition was released on the target to deter any enemy action while the convoy passed by. The action was successful.

At Lashkar Gah, Navy F/A-18F Super Hornets were providing armed overwatch for a friendly forces patrol. A show of force was conducted in the area of the patrol and was successful in deterring enemy action.

There were F-15E aircraft in the air at Mazar providing overwatch for friendly forces. A show of force was requested and was successful in deterring potential enemy activity.

Near Khaval, F-15E aircraft were providing overwatch for a friendly forces convoy. When possible enemy action was noted, a show of force over the convoy was requested. The show of force was performed with flares expended and the convoy passed through the area undisturbed.

Navy F/A-18C Hornet and Marine AV-8B Harrier aircraft were in the area over Lashkar Gah providing armed overwatch for coalition forces in the area. The aircraft responded to a request for air support in order to suppress anti-Afghan forces' fire and action. Several strafing runs were conducted destroying the enemy position.

At Sheykhabad, F/A-18E aircraft were providing armed overwatch for possible improvised explosive devices and emplacers in the area. IED emplacers were spotted and the coordinates were confirmed by a friendly forces patrol. A precision-guided munition was deployed on the target, eliminating the threat.

F-15E aircraft were at Konduz providing armed overwatch for friendly forces when they were tasked to escort a helicopter during an extraction operation. A successful show of force deterred any enemy action while the helicopter was in the area.

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

In Iraq, 24 Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions as part of operations. In addition, two Air Force aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In total, 20 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 144 airlift sorties, delivered 766 short tons of cargo and transported about 3,800 passengers. Airlift included about 100,000 pounds of aerial resupply cargo dropped over Afghanistan.

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

On Oct. 9, Air Force HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopters and "Guardian Angel" teams transported nine 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 45 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.8 million pounds of fuel to 184 receiving aircraft.