Jan. 23 airpower summary: A-10s protect coalition forces

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNS) --  Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Jan. 23, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, coalition aircraft performed overwatch for a medical evacuation in the vicinity of Sangin. The aircraft performed shows of force to deter enemy activity and ensure the safe transport of patients.

An Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle conducted armed overwatch for coalition ground forces receiving a helicopter resupply. The Strike Eagle flew a show of force over a site where a ground force security element spotted possible enemy activity.

Near Musa Qala, a coalition aircraft conducted a show of force near a site where anti-Afghan forces had fired mortars. A coalition ground commander requested the maneuver to discourage further attacks.

An Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II flew a show of force along the route of a group of coalition helicopters to deter enemy hostilities.

On-scene joint terminal attack controllers assigned to coalition units verified the success of these missions.

In total, 59 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Nine Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, two coalition aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, coalition aircraft flew 45 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-nine Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, three Air Force and coalition 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.

Approximately 140 airlift sorties were flown, more than 315 tons of cargo was delivered and about 2,500 passengers were transported. This included approximately 98,400 pounds of troop resupply airdropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Jan. 22, Air Force tanker crews flew 41 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3 million pounds of fuel to 233 receiving aircraft.