Oct. 8 airpower summary: B-1B deters enemy action

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNS) --  Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Oct. 8, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

Near Asmar, coalition aircraft continued to provide responsive airpower to friendly forces on the ground.

In Sheykhabad, Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft provided overwatch for friendly forces. There was confirmed activity at an enemy position. The coordinates were passed to the aircraft resulting in the deployment of precision-guided munitions that successfully destroyed the target.

F-15E aircraft in the vicinity of Orgun-E provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. When enemy activity was reported, the coordinates were confirmed and relayed to the aircraft. Precision-guided munitions were released destroying the target.

In Tirgari, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. A show of force was requested to deter enemy action when friendly forces reported receiving enemy small-arms fire. The show of force did not deter the enemy so several precision-guided munitions were released on the confirmed target destroying it and eliminating the threat.

F-15E aircraft in Qal-E-Naw provided armed overwatch for a friendly forces' convoy. The convoy reported receiving enemy fire and a show of force was requested. The show of force was successful in deterring further enemy action.

In the vicinity of Konduz, Air Force B-1B Lancer aircraft provided armed overwatch for a friendly forces' convoy. When enemy personnel engaged the convoy and a report of a potential ambush was received, precision-guided munitions were deployed eliminating the threat.

In total, 88 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Twenty-eight 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, 22 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-seven 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 149 airlift sorties, 520 short tons of cargo were delivered and about 3,100 passengers were transported. This included about 125,000 pounds of aerial resupply cargo dropped over Afghanistan.

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

On Oct. 7, Air Force HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters and "Guardian Angel" teams transported seven 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 53 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.9 million pounds of fuel to 287 receiving aircraft.