Oct. 2 airpower summary: Tankers refuel 246 aircraft

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNS) --  Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Oct. 2, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles flew armed overwatch in the Asmar area. Friendly forces reported receiving fire and requested air power assistance to deter the enemy action. When target coordinates were confirmed, the aircraft deployed numerous precision-guided munitions ending the attack.  A show of force was also conducted to deter further enemy action.

Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II and MQ-1B Predator aircraft were in the vicinity of Tarin Kowt providing armed overwatch for friendly ground forces when the unit received enemy small-arms fire. The point of origin for the enemy fire was confirmed and shows of force were made with flares expended. An enemy weapon was located and destroyed by a missile strike that triggered a major secondary explosion. The actions were considered successful.

F-15E aircraft were providing overwatch for a friendly forces convoy near Asadabad when shows of force were requested to deter any enemy action while the convoy passed through the area. The shows of force were successful in defusing an imminent threat to the safety of the convoy.  There was no enemy attack.

In the vicinity of Nad E Ali, Air Force A-10s were providing armed overwatch for friendly ground forces when the forces came under enemy small-arms fire. The ground forces returned fire and aircrews supported the ground forces by conducting strafing runs against the enemy position, ending the enemy fire.

At Asmar, Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcons and F-15Es provided overwatch for friendly forces. The aircraft also were conducting reconnaissance for suspicious activity in the area. When enemy forces were identified at several locations, precision-guided munitions and a strafing run were employed to successfully destroy the enemy positions.

Marine AV-8B Harrier aircraft were in the area over Lashkar Gah providing armed overwatch for friendly forces in the area. The aircraft responded to a request for air support when the enemy attacked from a treeline position. The coordinates for the enemy position were passed to the aircraft and strafing runs were executed that neutralized the enemy position.

F-15Es were over Remak providing armed overwatch for friendly forces during a helicopter resupply operation. The aircraft noted suspicious activity in the form of possible improvised explosive device emplacement teams and performed a show force to interrupt the enemy activity. The action was successful as the suspected emplacers immediately vacated the scene.

Near Sheykhabad,  F-16s were providing armed overwatch for coalition forces in the area. The F-16s were also tasked to support a friendly forces patrol in the area and when requested provided a show of force that successfully deterred enemy action.

A-10 aircraft provided armed overwatch for friendly forces in the Kandahar area. The A-10s were tasked to support a friendly forces patrol in an area that had earlier been subjected to an IED attack. As the patrol approached, shows of force were performed to deter any potential enemy action. The shows of force were successful.

In Kabul, F-15E aircraft supported a friendly forces foot patrol that was searching for hostile personnel. The aircraft provided armed overwatch and then displayed a show of force, with flares expended for the patrol when requested.

Thirty-two Air Force, Navy and coalition intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan.

In total, 68 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

In Iraq, Air Force F-16s were in the vicinity of Rawah when friendly forces requested a show of force. The show of force was performed and declared successful.

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.

In total, 23 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 138 airlift sorties, delivered 452 short tons of cargo and transported about 4,000 passengers. Airlift included about 105,000 pounds of aerial resupply cargo dropped over Afghanistan.

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

On Oct. 1, Air Force HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopters and "Guardian Angel" teams transported eight 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 53 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.4 million pounds of fuel to 246 receiving aircraft.