Airpower Summary for, Sept. 11, 2008

AFGHANISTAN

09.11.2008

Courtesy Story

United States Air Forces Central     

By the U.S. Air Forces Central Command Public Affairs Office

SOUTHWEST ASIA - Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations, Sept. 11, 2008, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials.

In Afghanistan, a U.S. Air Force MQ-1B Predator used hellfire missiles against anti-Afghan forces near Kandahar. The Joint Terminal Attack Controller declared the mission successful.

Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs dropped guided bomb unit-12s, and fired cannon rounds onto anti-Afghan forces firing positions in the vicinity of Bari Kowt. Furthermore, A-10s conducted shows of force to deter anti-Afghan activity near Ghazni. The JTACs confirmed the missions successful.

In the vicinity of Nangalam, an A-10 dropped general purpose 500 pound bombs, fired rockets, and cannon rounds onto anti-Afghan fighting positions in the vicinity of Bari Kowt. The mission was reported a success by the JTAC.

Navy F/A-18C Hornets fired cannon rounds at insurgents using rocket propelled grenade launchers and small arms fire against coalition forces near Lashkar Gah. Furthermore, F/A-18Cs conducted a show of force to provide armed aerial security in the same area and near Qalat. The JTACs declared the missions successful.

In the vicinity of Gardez, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle dropped a GBU-38 onto anti-Afghan forces firing mortars against coalition forces.The mission was confirmed a success by the JTAC.

A Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet fired cannon rounds at insurgents placing improvised explosive devices on a road parallel to a canal in the vicinity of Sangin. In addition an F/A-18E conducted a show of force to deter anti-Afghan activity near Garmsir. The JTACs reported the missions successful.

In the vicinity of Tarin Kowt, an Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon conducted a show of force to deter anti-Afghan activity in the area. The mission was declared a success by the JTAC.

A coalition aircraft conducted a show of force to provide armed surveillance due to friendly forces receiving small arms fire in the vicinity of Musa Qaleh. The JTAC confirmed the mission successful.

In total, 81 close air support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

In Iraq, coalition aircraft flew 41 close air support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions integrated and synchronized with coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided over watch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Twenty-nine Air Force and Navy surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, 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 134 airlift sorties were flown; 408 tons of cargo delivered, and 4,288 passengers were transported. This included approximately 75,000 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On, Sept. 10, 2008, U.S. Air Force and coalition aerial refueling crews flew 60 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.3 million pounds of fuel to 258 receiving aircraft.

• Date Taken: 09.11.2008
• Date Posted: 09.12.2008 08:57
• Story ID: 23552
• Location: AF