Sept. 12 airpower summary: Predators keep watch

  • Published
SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Sept. 12, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, A-10 Thunderbolt IIs dropped guided bomb unit-12s and fired cannon rounds onto anti-Afghan positions in the vicinity of Bari Kowt. The mission was confirmed successful by an on-scene joint terminal attack controller.

In the vicinity of Lashkar Gah, a coalition aircraft dropped a GBU-12 onto anti-Afghan forces. The JTAC reported the mission was successful.

Coalition aircraft performed a show of force to deter insurgent activities in the vicinity of Lashkar Gah and Musa Qala. The missions were declared successful by the JTACs.

In total, 51 close-air-support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Eighteen Air Force and coalition 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 44 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions integrated and synchronized with coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided over watch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Thirty-three Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, four 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 145 airlift sorties were flown, 715 tons of cargo were delivered and 3,903 passengers were transported. The airlift included approximately 12,000 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Sept. 11, Air Force and coalition aerial refueling crews flew 59 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.5 million pounds of fuel to 292 receiving aircraft.