Sept. 8 airpower summary: F-16s destroy targets

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

In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft provided armed overwatch and perimeter security for friendly forces near Sangin. When a suspicious vehicle was noticed, a request was made for a show of force to deter any enemy action. The show of force with flares expended was successful.

Near Asadabad, an Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft provided overwatch for friendly forces. Friendly forces reported receiving heavy small-arms fire from an anti-coalition force position and requested airpower to deter the enemy action. The aircraft released precision-guided munitions, destroying the target and terminating the small-arms fire.

Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft were in the vicinity of Asadabad providing armed overwatch when friendly forces reported a growing number of possible anti-Afghan personnel in an area. Shows of force were requested to deter any potential enemy aggression. The show of force was successful.

There were Air Force B-1B Lancer and F-16C aircraft in the air at Asadabad, providing armed overwatch for coalition forces taking small-arms fire. The point of origin for the small-arms fire was confirmed and a precision-guided munition was released on the enemy-fighting position. The enemy position was eliminated. The friendly forces then came under further small-arms fire from enemy sniper positions. These positions were also destroyed with precision-guided munitions terminating the enemy aggression.

In total, 89 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Thirty-two 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 126 airlift sorties; 406 short tons of cargo were delivered; and about 3,500 passengers were transported. This included about 118,000 pounds of aerial resupply cargo dropped over Afghanistan.

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

On Sept. 7, Air Force HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopters and "Guardian Angel" teams transported 11 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 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 57 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.1 million pounds of fuel to 246 receiving aircraft.