Airpower Summary for April 30

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

05.03.2009

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 30, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, a battle erupted between coalition and anti-Afghan forces near Qalat. Multiple Navy F/A-18-series Hornet and Super Hornet multirole aircraft along with an Air Force B-1B Lancer bomber engaged anti-Afghan fighting positions clustered around an orchard and overlooking ridgelines. The ground force commander requested air strikes after enemy personnel fired at friendly ground units. Using a combination of several types of guided bomb units and strafing passes, aircraft hit enemy fighting positions placed throughout the area. Additionally, the aircraft destroyed a cave being used as an enemy base.

Near Qal A Naw, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles strafed enemy fighting positions using their 20mm cannons. The jets engaged after gunmen fired rocket propelled grenades and assault weapons at a dismounted Afghan national army and coalition patrol that was performing a security sweep.

A Navy F/A-18C Hornet responded during firefights between anti-Afghan forces and combined Afghan national army-coalition units in the vicinity of Lashkar Gah. The jets employed GBU-12s to hit enemy positions in response to their mortar, RPG and automatic weapons fire.

In the same area, a coalition aircraft strafed an enemy improvised explosive device team. The aircraft engaged after detecting anti-Afghan personnel setting up a "daisy-chained," multiple-explosive IED. The aircraft used guns rather than a precision bomb to prevent damage to the roadway.

A Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet executed a show of force over anti-Afghan forces shooting at a coalition unit in order to suppress their fire. When the enemy shooters were not deterred, the jet hit their position using a GBU-38. Some surviving enemy personnel continued firing, but fled after the jet performed an additional show of force.

In the hills outside Jalalabad, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II carried out a show of force and expended flares to deter a group of suspected anti-Afghan personnel. The individuals were spotted near a position which had been the source of small arms fire against a coalition unit. Enemy fire had ceased just prior to the aircraft's arrival.

An A-10 flew a show of force and expended flares outside Khowst in advance of an Afghan national army and coalition clearing operation. The maneuver caused enemy personnel to try to escape, revealing their position to the advancing ground force.

Near Kabul, another A-10 carried out shows of force, expending flares, in order to deter enemy attack against a coalition observation post. The aircraft's presence increased security in the area, preventing enemy forces from instigating violence.

Coalition aircraft and an F/A-18C performed shows of force in Lashkar Gah, expending flares, to provide deterrence against enemy attacks against reconstruction supply convoys. The convoys were able to complete their missions without enemy interference.

Strike Eagles and Thunderbolt IIs performed similar missions in Asmar and Orgun, covering the movement of supply convoys and flying shows of force to prevent anti-Afghan force activity. U.S. Army and Afghan helicopters also flew above convoy routes, lending additional vigilance against enemy agitation.

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

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

Nineteen Air Force surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan. In addition, four Navy aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, coalition aircraft flew 34 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-five 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 160 airlift sorties were flown; 425 tons of cargo was delivered; and about 3,300 passengers were transported. This included approximately 46,000 pounds of aerial resupply cargo airdropped over Afghanistan.

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

On April 29, U.S. Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 47 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.2 million pounds of fuel to 247 receiving aircraft.