Airpower Summary for Feb. 26, 2009

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

03.01.2009

Courtesy Story

United States Air Forces Central     

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SOUTHWEST ASIA — Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations Feb. 26, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials.

In Afghanistan a coalition aircraft used a precision guided munition to destroy an anti-Afghan compound near Lashkar Gah. The jet released weapons after coalition troops began taking fire from enemy fighting positions within.

In the area of Kajaki Dam, a coalition aircraft dropped a guided bomb unit-12, targeting an enemy firing position within a walled compound. The airstrike occurred to stop enemy assault rifle, machine gun and rocket propelled grenade fire coming from the position.

Near Tarin Kowt, a UK Royal Air Force Harrier GR-9 conducted a show of force, deterring enemy forces assembling to ambush a coalition convoy. While ground forces had successfully identified the location and position of enemy fighters, the ground commander opted for the maneuver instead of using lethal force in order to reduce risk to local civilians.

Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs flew shows of force near Nangalam and expended flares to deter attack as a coalition convoy approached a suspected enemy location. Enemy forces had already fired RPGs at the convoy prior to the arrival of the A-10s, but the convoy was able to successfully complete its mission.

Near Bagram, A-10s performed a preemptive show of force to deter anti-Afghan action as a convoy leaving the area assumed travelling formation. The aircraft continued to fly above the convoy providing overwatch until it safely returned to base.

A-10s executed a show of force and expended flares near Asadabad after receiving reports of potential enemy movement. A coalition unit requested the maneuver to preserve peace as they performed security and reconstruction operations in the area.

A Harrier performed a show of force near Sangin to deter enemy attack against a coalition unit. The move also served to amplify local security presence.

Joint Terminal Attack Controllers assigned to coalition units verified the success of each mission.

In total, 61 close air support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

In Iraq, an Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon flew a show of force over a convoy to deter enemies from attack. The jet also conducted a search of the convoy's route for improvised explosive devices.

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 hostile activities.

Twenty-nine Air Force and Navy surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. In addition, 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 130 airlift sorties were flown; more than 600 tons of cargo was delivered; and about 3,175 passengers were transported.

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

On Feb. 25, U.S. Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 47 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.6 million pounds of fuel to 213 receiving aircraft.