Airpower supports Afghan elections

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Marcus McDonald
  • 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan (AFPN) --  Airpower was in full effect as aircraft and crews supported Afghanistan’s National Assembly elections Sept. 18 by deterring attacks on the ground.

U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II and EC-130H Compass Call aircraft and U.S. Navy EA-6B Prowlers here have stepped up efforts to provide safe and secure conditions as the elections bring Afghanistan one step closer to democracy.

Airpower will be a major factor to the success of the elections and the follow-on political process, said Lt. Col. Dave Evans, Operation Enduring Freedom air component coordination element plans officer who is deployed from Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.

“We’ll maintain a sizeable airpower presence throughout the country to ensure the voting and ballot counting processes go as smooth as possible,” Colonel Evans said.

A-10s from Pope AFB, N.C., and Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz., provided close-air support to ground troops and shows of presence for Afghan voters.

Lt. Col. Jeff Cowan, 74th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron commander, said his crews are doing what it takes to support ground operations.

“We’ve strategically positioned ourselves throughout Afghanistan to ensure the success of this election process,” he said.

EC-130Hs from Davis-Monthan and EA-6Bs from Whidbey Island Naval Air Station, Wash., are providing electronic protection for friendly forces as well as for those participating in the elections.

The EC-130H crews and support personnel are making an impact on the future of Afghanistan, said Lt. Col. Chuck Schnarr, 41st Expeditionary Electronic Combat Squadron commander.

“It’s fascinating that the Afghan people have been and continue to be excited about voting despite the dangers involved,” he said. “Our mission is to alleviate some of those concerns and ensure success in these historic elections and beyond.”

“We’re in the skies providing an umbrella of protection by providing electronic jamming support to ground troops and voters,” said Navy Cmdr. Jay Johnston, Electronic Attack Squadron 134 commander out of Whidbey Island.

Many Airmen said they are proud to be playing a role in bringing Afghanistan another step closer to democracy.

“I feel very privileged to be a part of this moment in history,” said 1st Lt. Jeremy Smith, EC-130 mission crew commander for the 41st EECS. “As a squadron, we’re certainly proud to support our forces on the ground as well as the voters in this election process.”

“Without airpower, I believe the elections wouldn’t be as successful,” said Senior Airman Earlray Haag, A-10 crew chief from Pope AFB. “The presence of A-10s and other aircraft in the region are helping keep the terrorists away.”

For the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing commander and director of the air component coordination element, it is a perfect example of how airpower plays a vital role in the election process.

“Our A-10, EC-130 and EA-6B crews, along with many coalition partners, are doing a fantastic job supporting the Afghan and coalition ground forces who are working so hard to ensure the elections are completed in an open and credible manner,” said Brig. Gen. Bruce E. Burda.

“This is a team effort and I can’t say enough about the job our folks are doing,” the general said. “They are truly helping to make history here in Afghanistan and the region.”