Sept. 15 airpower summary: B-1B performs precision attack

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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 Sept. 15, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, coalition aircraft responded to a request for support in the Chahar Bagh area and successfully deployed precision-guided munitions on an enemy target. They also performed several shows of force in support of an operation by friendly ground forces..

In Shkin, Air Force B-1B Lancer aircraft provided overwatch for friendly forces. Insurgents were observed on foot where friendly forces were under  enemy rocket and mortar fire. Coordinates were confirmed for point of origin for the enemy attack and the B-1B deployed a precision-guided munition against the target. Battle damage assessment revealed the target and numerous rockets were destroyed. A request for a show of force was requested while the BDA was performed to deter any further enemy action.

Coalition aircraft were in the vicinity of Lashkar Gah providing armed overwatch for friendly forces when they reported receiving small-arms fire from an enemy tree line position. Air support was requested when the points of origin for the enemy fire were confirmed. Aircraft performed a strafing run which terminated the enemy fire.

There were Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet aircraft at Now Zad providing armed overwatch for friendly forces taking enemy fire from sniper positions. The positions were observed and confirmed. The F/A-18s successfully targeted the positions with precision-guided munitions that destroyed the targets. The enemy fire ceased. A show of force was conducted to ensure enemy fire did not start again.

In Shinkay, Navy F/A-18E Super Hornets provided overwatch for friendly ground forces. A convoy requested a show of force when they started taking enemy small-arms fire. The F/A-18E aircraft conducted a successful show of force releasing numerous flares, stopping the enemy small arms fire.

Navy F/A-8C Hornets in the vicinity of Farah flying overwatch for friendly ground forces and coalition forces. The friendly ground forces were conducting a survey when they reported receiving enemy small-arms fire. A show of force was successfully conducted with flares expended causing the enemy fire to cease.

Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II and Navy F/A-18C Hornet aircraft provided armed overwatch for a small friendly forces convoy. Shows of force were requested to deter enemy action when a report of an imminent enemy attack came through. The shows of force, conducted with flares expended, were successful in deterring enemy action and scattering the enemy forces.

In Iraq, an Air Force F-16CJ Fighting Falcon at Al Hillah conducted a show of force when personnel were observed digging beside house. When personnel realized they were spotted, they broke and ran before completing their task. The show of force was successful in deterring an imminent threat to all in the area of the house.

In total, 81 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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, 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

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 109 airlift sorties, 398 short tons of cargo were delivered and about 1,100 passengers were transported. This included about 135,000 pounds of aerial resupply cargo dropped over Afghanistan.

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

On Sept. 14, Air Force HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters and "Guardian Angel" teams transported 19 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 3.4 million pounds of fuel to 240 receiving aircraft.