Airpower Summary for June 13, 2009

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

06.13.2009

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

In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle dropped a guided bomb unit-38 on a group of anti-Afghan forces near Sangin. Enemy personnel had command-detonated a roadside bomb and opened fire against a convoy. After the jet arrived, the enemy ambushers attempted to escape but were tracked to an open area where the aircraft struck them.

A B-1B Lancer bomber used a single GBU-38 as a warning shot to anti-Afghan forces holed up in a civilian compound and shooting at Afghan and coalition troops. The bomb landed in an open field and succeeded in stopping the enemy's fire, allowing friendly forces to maneuver.

An F-15E near Tarin Kowt bombed an enemy spotter who was spotted monitoring and radioing in activity just outside a coalition forward base. The aircraft also performed tactical reconnaissance for coalition ground forces at the base, scouting for enemy locations outside the base perimeter. Later, an additional F-15E flew a show of force to deter another enemy attack.

Near Washir, a B-1B Lancer flew a show of force and expended several flares to stop enemy personnel armed with rocket grenade launchers and machine guns from attacking an Afghan and coalition unit. The bomber's arrival prompted enemy forces to retreat.

A UK Royal Air Force GR-9 Harrier conducted a show of force near Shurakian to deter an enemy attack while coalition helicopters picked up patients at a landing zone. The aircraft stayed overhead providing cover, performing an additional show of force to prevent enemy forces gathering in a nearby treeline from carrying out a planned attack.

In the vicinity of Tarin Kowt, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II flew shows of force, expending flares, to stop an imminent enemy attack on a coalition unit. The jet also provided armed overwatch for the unit as it proceeded to its objective.

An F-15E performed a show of force over Bagram supporting an Afghan and coalition unit performing a security sweep on the ground. The additional layer of protective force the jet provided prevented any violence from breaking out during the operation.

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 18 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, 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 130 airlift sorties were flown; 450 tons of cargo was delivered; and about 2,600 passengers were transported. This included about 170,400 pounds of aerial resupply cargo dropped over Afghanistan.

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

On June 12, Air Force HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopters and "Guardian Angel" teams transported 11 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 45 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.5 million pounds of fuel to 155 receiving aircraft.