July 21 airpower summary: A-10s pound anti-coalition forces in Afghanistan

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNS) --  Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations July 21, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Surkhabad Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II's released GBU-38's on an anti-coalition forces position that had been assaulting coalition and friendly forces with small-arms fire. Enemy forces ceased fire after the strike.

Near Kabul, A-10's provided armed overwatch for friendly forces that had previously taken small-arms fire from enemy forces. Shows of force utilizing flares were conducted while medevac operations rescued several friendly forces needing medical attention.

At Tarin Kowt, Navy F/A-18C Hornets provided cover for coalition forces taking small-arms fire. A show of force that expended flares was successful in stopping the enemy action.

F/A-18C's at Shurakian expended flares providing shows of force cover for coalition forces about to take enemy small-arms fire. The shows of force eliminated the threat to coalition forces.

Several Navy F/A-18E Super Hornets and Air Force B-1B Lancers were in the vicinity of Morghab to provide friendly forces with air cover. The F/A-18E's provided support through shows of force to friendly forces under imminent threat from enemy forces. The B-1B's successfully dropped several precision guided munitions on the enemy position terminating the hostile threat.

In Gardez Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles provided a show of force by for friendly forces on patrol when small-arms fire was reported.

A-10's near Asadabad deterred an imminent threat by enemy forces with shows of force. After flares were expended, enemy forces disengaged and left the area.

Coalition forces requested support from F-15E's that were providing armed overwatch at Ghazni after they started receiving small-arms fire. The enemy forces ceased fire after a show of force in which flares were used.

Joint terminal attack controllers assigned to coalition units verified the success of these missions.

In total, 73 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Twenty-four Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan. In addition, two Air Force aircraft and a coalition force aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, coalition aircraft flew 18 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions integrated and synchronized with coalition 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 III's provided intra-theater heavy airlift, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 42 airlift sorties were flown; 1,349 tons of cargo werer delivered; and about 2,932 passengers were transported. This included about 90,200 pounds of aerial resupply cargo dropped over Afghanistan.

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

On July 20, Air Force HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopters and "Guardian Angel" teams transported four 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 Hawk 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 tankers flew 52 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.7 million pounds of fuel to 193 receiving aircraft.