Sept. 22 airpower summary: B-1s provide overwatch for 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 Sept. 22, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons responded to a request for support in the Malek Din area where they were providing reconnaissance for friendly forces in a compound. Friendly forces had reported an impending enemy attack and requested a show of force. The action was successful in deterring any enemy aggression.

Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft were in the vicinity of Asadabad providing armed overwatch when friendly forces reported receiving small-arms fire. The primary point of enemy fire was observed and confirmed. Precision-guided munitions were used to destroy the enemy position and friendly forces reported no further enemy fire.

Air Force B-1B Lancer aircraft provided overwatch for friendly forces at Sangin. The aircrew requested permission to execute a show of force when they observed suspicious activity along a roadside. The show of force with flares expended was successful in stopping the suspicious activity.

Near Ghazni, F-15E aircraft provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. Suspicious roadside activity was reported in the area and permission was requested to perform a show of force. The show of force was successful in ending the enemy roadside activity.

Thirty-five 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, 84 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

In Iraq, 29 Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions as part of operations there. In addition, two Air Force aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In total, 26 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 158 airlift sorties, delivered 538 short tons of cargo and transported about 4,100 passengers. Airlift included about 120,000 pounds of aerial resupply cargo dropped over Afghanistan.

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

On Sept. 21, Air Force HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopters and "Guardian Angel" teams transported 13 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 217 receiving aircraft.