Airpower Summary for April 9

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

04.12.2009

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 on April 9, according to combined air and space operations center officials.

In Afghanistan, a flight of Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs carried out strafing runs against anti-Afghan forces shooting at a coalition patrol from a creek bed outside of Nangalam. The aircraft made repeated passes against the enemy positions during the engagement.

Near Shurakian, a B-1B Lancer dropped a guided bomb unit-38 on an enemy firing position. Enemy gunmen in the position had opened fire on a coalition convoy with rocket propelled grenades and assault weapons.

In Tarin Kowt, enemy personnel occupied a compound in the vicinity of a local marketplace, firing from behind walls, windows and doorways at a coalition unit in the area. During the extended firefight that ensued, multiple Navy, Air Force and Coalition aircraft responded, using strafing runs and Hellfire missiles to destroy the anti-Afghan fighting position. This selection of weapons intentionally minimized damage to the structure and adjacent civilian buildings.

A-10s used GBU-38s to target a heavily booby trapped building in Kabul which was rigged with explosives by anti-Afghan forces. The strike destroyed the building, which contained an enemy weapons cache.

In the mountains near Lashkar Gah, a Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet strafed enemy personnel shooting from a tree line. The enemy gunmen had opened fire on a coalition mounted patrol, prompting the aircraft to intervene. A second Super Hornet performed a show of force and expended flares to deter enemy reinforcements from moving into the fight.

An F-15E Strike Eagle dropped a GBU-31 against a group of anti-Afghan personnel during a fight near Asmar. Coalition spotters called in the strike, targeting the source of sustained enemy gunfire.

In the vicinity of Orgun, Strike Eagles attacked enemy mortar positions and destroyed a bunker using GBU-38s and a GBU-31. The engagement occurred after anti-Afghan personnel tried to hit a coalition unit with a mortar attack.

In addition to carrying out weapons strikes, Navy, Air Force, and coalition aircraft performed a number of shows of force in several parts of Afghanistan. The shows of force deterred and suppressed enemy actions, reducing their interference with Afghan government and coalition efforts to rebuild and secure the country.

Joint Terminal Attack Controllers assigned to coalition units verified the success of these missions.

In total, 62 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. In addition, four Navy and Coalition aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, coalition aircraft flew 26 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-six 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-130 Hercules and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intra-theater heavy airlift, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq, and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 140 airlift sorties were flown; 600 tons of cargo was delivered; and about 3,000 passengers were transported.

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