Sept. 8 airpower summary: A-10s bomb anti-Afghan forces

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

In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs dropped general purpose 500-pound bombs, guided bomb unit-12s and fired cannon rounds onto anti-Afghan fighting positions on a ridgeline in the vicinity of Nangalam. Furthermore, A-10s conducted shows of force in the same area to discourage further anti-Afghan attacks. An on-scene joint terminal attack controller reported the mission successful.

Near Gardez, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-38s, onto insurgents in the open using small arms fire against coalition forces. The mission was confirmed a success by a JTAC.

A coalition aircraft fired Enhanced Paveway II munitions onto enemy insurgents near a compound in the vicinity of Lashkar Gah. A JTAC declared the mission successful.

Near Kabul, A-10s conducted shows of force to provide armed aerial security patrol in the area. The missions were confirmed a success by JTACs.

A Navy F-18C Hornet conducted a show of force near Balocan to provide armed aerial security patrol in the area. A JTAC confirmed the mission successful.

In total, 70 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, four coalition aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons conducted shows of force near Al Amarah to provide armed aerial security to friendly forces taking small arms fire. A JTAC reported the mission successful.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 28 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 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 120 airlift sorties were flown, 560 tons of cargo delivered and 2,300 passengers were transported. This included approximately 71,000 pounds of troop resupply airdropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Sept. 7, Air Force and coalition tanker crews flew 45 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.2 million pounds of fuel to 180 receiving aircraft.