Airpower Summary for Feb. 14, 2009

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

02.14.2009

Courtesy Story

United States Air Forces Central     

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By the U.S. Air Forces Central Public Affairs

SOUTHWEST ASIA — Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations, Feb. 14, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials.

In Afghanistan, Navy F/A-18C Hornets and coalition aircraft used several precision guided munitions to target anti-Afghan forces near Tarin Kowt. Enemy personnel attempted to ambush a coalition patrol, emplacing improvised explosive devices and apparently planning to detonate them after initiating automatic weapons fire. The enemy fighting positions and several IEDs were destroyed by the strikes.

Near Balocan, a group of enemy gunmen was tracked and targeted by an Air Force MQ-9A Reaper using a Hellfire missile. The drone's sensors observed the gunmen, tracking them as they fired at coalition troops then retreated into a local settlement. The Reaper then followed the unsuspecting gunmen to a clear area and engaged them once danger to Afghan civilians had passed.

An Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle and a Navy Hornet teamed up near Lashkar Gah to engage and destroy anti-Afghan fighting positions that opened fire on a coalition ground unit with a disabled vehicle. Using a combination of guided bomb unit-38s and strafing attacks, the aircraft destroyed or warded off the enemy force. The Hornet performed a show of force following the engagement to deter further enemy activity.

In the vicinity of Musa Qala, a Navy F/A-18A Hornet dropped a GBU-38 on an enemy rocket emplacement. The Hornet destroyed the position, which was launching a rocket salvo towards a nearby coalition base.

Strike Eagles employed GBU-38s near Nurestan to hit enemy fighting positions engaging a coalition forward operating base. The jets remained in the area to assist coalition ground forces with follow-on operations, providing tactical reconnaissance.

Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs executed shows of force during a firefight near Murgab between coalition soldiers and anti-Afghan forces. The A-10s performed the maneuvers and expended flares to deter enemy shooters firing at a dismounted coalition patrol. The patrol had been performing security and reconstruction operations to aid Afghan civilians when the enemy opened fire. Enemy forces fled the scene when the aircraft appeared.

Near Gereshk, a coalition aircraft flew a show of force and expended flares to suppress enemy fire on a coalition convoy crossing a wadi. The aircraft flew aerial cover for the convoy as it proceeded to its destination.

In total, 74 close air support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Fifteen Air Force surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, two Navy aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, coalition aircraft flew 43 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 hostile activities.

Twenty-four Air Force and Navy surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, three Air Force and coalition aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

U.S. Air Force C-130s and C-17s provided intra-theater heavy airlift, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 140 airlift sorties were flown; more than 475 tons of cargo was delivered; and about 4,300 passengers were transported. This included approximately 147,200 pounds of troop re-supply that was air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Feb. 13, U.S. Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 37 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.4 million pounds of fuel to 191 receiving aircraft.