Airpower Summary for April 21, 2009

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

04.21.2009

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, April 21, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials.

In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles destroyed an anti-Afghan truck carrying a mounted anti-aircraft gun outside Lashkar Gah. The Strike Eagles first disabled the truck using strafes, preventing enemy personnel from driving the vehicle into a civilian area, and then bombed it using guided bomb unit-38s.

A UK Royal Air Force GR-9 Harrier later performed a show of force in the Lashkar area to deter enemy attacks during a helicopter medevac. The operation followed a brief engagement in which coalition troops exchanged fire with anti-Afghan forces near a canal.

An Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II conducted a show of force after a coalition unit began taking fire near Bagram. The jet also provided tactical reconnaissance for friendly soldiers after they disengaged from the firefight.

Near Monari, an A-10 carried out a show of force to prevent enemy hostilities during a convoy operation. The A-10 escorted the convoy safely along its route, providing aerial overwatch.

Navy F/A-18E Super Hornets flew shows of force in tandem to help identify the location of enemy forces in Gereshk. The aircraft were supporting a combined Afghan national army and coalition sweep operation aimed at locating anti-Afghan forces operating from civilian areas.

In Sangin, a coalition aircraft executed a show of force to break up enemy personnel operating an illegal checkpoint. A Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet also performed a show of force to disperse personnel who appeared to be emplacing an improvised explosive device. In both cases, the individuals fled once the aircraft arrived.

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

In total, 76 close air support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Twenty-two Air Force surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan. In addition, three Air Force and coalition aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, an Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon used a GBU38 to destroy a boat containing an enemy rocket crew and launch equipment. The strike, which took place near Al Kufah, took place after insurgents fired several rockets at a coalition forward base and attempted to escape down the river in the boat.

Coalition aircraft flew 35 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-seven Air Force and Navy surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. In addition, three coalition and Navy 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 151 airlift sorties were flown; 500 tons of cargo was delivered; and about 3,100 passengers were transported.

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

On April 20, U.S. Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 43 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.1 million pounds of fuel to 232 receiving aircraft.