Feb. 19 airpower summary: A-10s conduct show of force

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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 Feb. 19, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles conducted shows of force in the areas of Asadabad, Jalalabad and Gardez in order to deter enemy activities against coalition forces. The missions were declared successful by an on-scene joint terminal attack controller.

In Khowst, F-15Es used a guided bomb unit-12 and a guided bomb unit-38 to destroy a truck containing enemy combatants and enemy weaponry in the bed of the truck. A JTAC reported the mission as successful.

A Royal Air Force GR-9 Harrier performed a show of force in the vicinity of Qalat to deter enemy activities in that area. The mission was confirmed as successful by a JTAC.

French 2000 Mirages conducted shows of force over both friendly and enemy positions in the areas of Sangin and Kajaki Dam. The shows of force were conducted to deter enemy activities in the area as well as to show a presence of airpower. A JTAC declared the missions as successful.

In Bermel, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II performed a show of force over a coalition forces convoy that was temporarily stopped at a friendly location. The show of force was performed to deter enemy activities against the stopped convoy. The mission was reported as a success by a JTAC.

An A-10 conducted shows of force in the vicinity of Kajaki Dam in order to deter enemy activities in that area. A JTAC confirmed the mission as successful.

In total, 39 close-air-support missions were flown as part 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 RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, coalition aircraft flew two close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions integrated and synchronized coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided overwatch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Eleven Air Force and Navy intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, four Air Force and RAF 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 64 airlift sorties were flown, 529 tons of cargo delivered, and 1,143 passengers were transported. This included approximately 39,320 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Feb. 18, Air Force and RAF tanker crews flew 38 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.4 million pounds of fuel to 189 receiving aircraft.