Sept. 11 airpower summary: A-10s keep vigilant watch

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Sept. 11, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force MQ-1 Predator used Hellfire missiles against anti-Afghan forces near Kandahar. An on-scene joint terminal attack controller declared the mission successful.

Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs dropped guided bomb unit-12s and fired cannon rounds onto anti-Afghan forces firing positions in the vicinity of Bari Kowt. Furthermore, A-10s conducted shows of force to deter anti-Afghan activity near Ghazni. JTACs confirmed the missions successful.

In the vicinity of Nangalam, an A-10 dropped general purpose 500-pound bombs, fired rockets and cannon rounds onto anti-Afghan fighting positions in the vicinity of Bari Kowt. The mission was reported a success by a JTAC.

Navy F/A-18C Hornets fired cannon rounds at insurgents using rocket propelled grenade launchers and small arms fire against coalition forces near Lashkar Gah. Furthermore, F/A-18Cs conducted a show of force to provide armed aerial security in the same area and near Qalat. JTACs declared the missions successful.

In the vicinity of Gardez, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle dropped a GBU-38 onto anti-Afghan forces firing mortars against coalition forces. The mission was confirmed a success by a JTAC.

A Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet fired cannon rounds at insurgents placing IEDs on a road parallel to a canal in the vicinity of Sangin. In addition an F/A-18E conducted a show of force to deter anti-Afghan activity near Garmsir. JTACs reported the missions successful.

In the vicinity of Tarin Kowt, an Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon conducted a show of force to deter anti-Afghan activity in the area. The mission was declared a success by a JTAC.

A coalition aircraft conducted a show of force to provide armed surveillance due to friendly forces receiving small arms fire in the vicinity of Musa Qaleh. A JTAC confirmed the mission successful.

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

Nineteen 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 41 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 terrorist activities.

Twenty-nine Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, 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.

Approximately 134 airlift sorties were flown, 408 tons of cargo delivered and 4,288 passengers were transported. This included approximately 75,000 pounds of troop resupply airdropped in Afghanistan.

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

On September 10, Air Force and coalition tanker crews flew 60 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.3 million pounds of fuel to 258 receiving aircraft.