Airpower Summary for June 12, 2009

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

06.12.2009

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 June 12, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer conducted a strike against an enemy building near Shurakian using guided bomb unit-38s. The building was destroyed after enemy personnel operating from the structure emplaced and detonated an improvised explosive device against a friendly convoy.

In the mountains near Asadabad, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle dropped a GBU-31 to destroy an enemy cave complex. Enemy gunmen armed with rocket propelled grenades and assault rifles carried out an attack earlier and were tracked back to the cave.

An Air Force MQ-1B Predator fired a Hellfire missile during an engagement in Lashkar Gah. The aircraft targeted enemy personnel attacking a coalition convoy with RPG and automatic weapons fire. A coalition aircraft also used a GBU-12 to bomb a building with enemy forces inside it firing at coalition ground troops.

A B-1B released GBU-31 and -38 munitions across a ridgeline near Washir. The aircraft hit a group of enemy personnel dug in along the heights who were firing at a passing Afghan and coalition convoy.

Air Force F-15Es and A-10s flew shows of force near Qalat, Gardez, and Lashkar Gah to deter additional enemy attacks on convoys travelling through those areas. The presence of strike aircraft prevented anti-Afghan forces from acting, allowing Afghan and coalition combined forces humanitarian supply missions and security operations to succeed.

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

In total, 58 close air support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

In Iraq, coalition aircraft flew 25 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, two Air Force 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 150 airlift sorties were flown; 400 tons of cargo was delivered; and about 2,800 passengers were transported. This included about 80,000 pounds of aerial resupply cargo dropped over Afghanistan.

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

On June 11, Air Force HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopters and "Guardian Angel" teams transported 8 patients to coalition field hospitals from locations in Afghanistan. Pararescue Team members aboard located, rescued and began treatment to stabilize patients in the battlefield. The Pave Hawk transported these patients to field hospitals in less time than it takes for a civilian patient to reach emergency care by ambulance in most major cities.

U.S. Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 43 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.4 million pounds of fuel to 173 receiving aircraft.