Oct. 13 airpower summary: What air force is averaging 180 OIF sorties per week?

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  The Combined Air and Space Operations Center's airpower summary provides a daily account of the integration and synchronization of airpower. But sometimes, the impact or significance of airpower isn't clearly seen in this numerical rollup. Maj. Gen. Maurice Forsyth, Deputy Combined Air Forces Component commander, often challenges the CAOC staff to look at the statistical data being presented and say: "So what? The numbers are great, but, what is the true impact? What progress is being made?"

Today's "So What" deals with progress - the progress of the Iraqi air force. Since January 2007, the Iraqi air force has increased their average sortie rate from 30 to 180 per week, with a high of 231 sorties last week. Comprised of approximately 1,200 personnel and about 50 aircraft, Iraqi airmen are providing airlift for Iraqi ground forces and conducting intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions. One example of their success to date is their overwatch of Iraqi infrastructure which resulted in smugglers being caught tapping into an oil pipeline, thereby saving Iraq millions of dollars in revenue. The progress of the Iraqi air force is critical for many reasons, but two stand out the most. First and foremost: They are Iraqi airmen flying Iraqi air force aircraft: not Sunni, Shia, or Kurdish...but Iraqi -- quite the unifying presence! Secondly: The brave actions of Iraq's airmen prove their commitment to defeating terrorism, defending their country, and initiating conditions necessary for achieving air sovereignty.

The airpower summary for Oct. 13 is as follows:

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Oct. 13, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II conducted a show of force dispensing flares in Gardez. The on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed the mission deterring enemy activity was successful.

Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles struck enemy fortifications with guided bomb unit-38s and GBU-31s to deter enemy activity in Tarale. The JTAC declared the mission achieved the desired result.

An Air Force B1-B Lancer bombarded enemy positions with GBU-38s to deter enemy activity in Asmar. The JTAC confirmed the mission was successful.

During an armed overwatch in Sangin, an F-15E dropped flares to deter enemy activity. The JTAC declared the mission achieved its desired effect.

An F-15E conducted an armed overwatch while a coalition convoy performed a search for enemy combatants in Dahaneh. The JTAC confirmed the mission was successful.

In total, 35 close-air-support missions were flown in support of  ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Eleven Air Force and Royal Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, two RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, a B1-B conducted a bombardment with GBU-31s to deny enemy road access in Samarra. The JTAC confirmed the mission was successful.

Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons engaged a vehicle filled with enemy combatants traveling near Samarra using a GBU-38 and an air-to-ground missile-65E. JTAC declared the targets were destroyed and the mission was successful.

An F-16 provided an armed overwatch for suspicious vehicle bourne improvised explosive devices in Samarra. The JTAC declared mission was successful.

During that same mission, the F-16 was routed to perform another armed overwatch for coalition troops who had taken small-arms fire. The F-16 continued to monitor the area for hostile activities. The JTAC declared the mission was successful.

An F-16 performed an armed escort duty for coalition convoy traveling to deter enemy action in Al Kut. The JTAC confirmed the mission was successful.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 51 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions supported coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided overwatch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Twenty-one Air Force and Navy intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, two RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intra-theater heavy airlift support, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 144 airlift sorties were flown; 386 tons of cargos were delivered, and 3,449 passengers were transported. This included approximately 6,400 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

Coalition C-130 crews from Australia, Canada and Iraq flew in support of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.

On Oct. 12, Air Force and RAF tankers flew 47 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.1 million pounds of fuel to 237 receiving aircraft.

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