U.S. Central Command Air Forces

Courtesy Story

SOUTHWEST ASIA — Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations Oct. 11, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft flew armed overwatch in the Asmar area. Friendly forces reported anti-Afghan forces' activity at an enemy position and requested air power assistance. When coordinates were confirmed, the aircraft deployed precision guided munitions on the target destroying the enemy position. Later, a show of force was requested to deter any additional activity in the area and was successful as no attack occurred.

Oruzgan saw Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon and B-1B Lancer aircraft in the skies providing overwatch for friendly forces. Potential enemy action was reported and shows of force were requested at several areas. The shows of force were successful in deterring enemy action at all areas.

Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft were in the vicinity of Chahar Bagh and Musa Qala providing armed overwatch for friendly ground forces. A show of force was requested as the enemy prepared to launch an attack. The point of origin for the pending attack was confirmed and a show of force, with flares expended, was conducted that ended the threat. Later, enemy forces fired on a second friendly ground patrol. Another show of force was successfully performed, also stopping that attack.

There were A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft in the skies over Oruzgan providing overwatch for a friendly forces' convoy. As the convoy entered a canyon a show of force was requested to deter any enemy action. The show of force was successful.

At Qal-E-Naw, Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet aircraft provided overwatch for a friendly forces' convoy. A show of force was requested to deter potential enemy activity as the convoy neared a spot where enemy action had previously occurred. The show of force was successful in deterring potential threats.

Remak had F-15E aircraft providing overwatch for friendly forces. A show of force was requested and successfully performed to deter enemy attack.

In the vicinity of Asadabad, Air Force MQ-1B Predator and F-15E aircraft were providing armed overwatch for friendly ground forces. Mounting suspicious activity led to the conclusion of potential enemy action. When enemy position coordinates were confirmed, numerous precision guided munitions and a missile were deployed. The enemy targets were either damaged or destroyed and all enemy action was eliminated. Later, a show of force was successfully made to continue deterrence of any additional enemy action.

Delaram had F-16C aircraft providing armed overwatch for friendly forces in the area. When friendly forces reported receiving enemy small arms fire, a show of force was requested. The show of force was made and successfully deterred the enemy action.

B-1B aircraft were overhead at Kandahar providing armed overwatch for friendly forces. While providing reconnaissance aircrew observed an enemy convoy entering the area. The enemy convoy was confirmed to have heavy weapons on board. Precision guided munitions were employed on the convoy, destroying it.

Sheykhabad saw F-15E aircraft providing armed overwatch for friendly forces. A show of force was performed with flares expended when enemy movement was spotted in the area. The show of force was successful in deterring potential enemy action.

In Iraq, Air Force F-16C aircraft were in the vicinity of Kirkuk providing reconnaissance for suspicious activity. Coalition forces reported coming under fire from enemy small arms and rocket-propelled grenades. Two strafing runs were made on the enemy forces allowing coalition forces to capture the enemy personnel.

In total, 80 close air support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

In total, 18 close air support missions were flown in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions integrated and synchronized with 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, 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.

U.S. Air Force airlift crews flew 153 airlift sorties; 545 short tons of cargo were delivered; and about 3,100 passengers were transported. This included about 142,000 pounds of aerial resupply cargo dropped over Afghanistan.

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

On Oct. 10, Air Force HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopters and "Guardian Angel" teams transported four 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 50 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.1 million pounds of fuel to 239 receiving aircraft.

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