Airpower Summary for, Sept. 18, 2008

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

09.18.2008

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. 18, 2008, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials.

In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped guided bomb unit-38s and GBU-31s onto anti-Afghan forces and fighting positions engaging coalition forces with small arms and indirect fire near Asadabad. The Joint Terminal Attack Controllers declared the missions successful.

In the vicinity of Lashkar Gah, an Air Force Reaper MQ-9 dropped a GBU-12 onto anti-Afghan forces. The mission was confirmed successful by the JTAC.

F-15Es dropped GBU-38s onto anti-Afghan fighting positions near Asmar. The JTAC reported the mission successful.

In the vicinity of Now Zad, coalition aircraft dropped Enhanced Paveway II munitions and a 540-pound free falling bomb onto anti-Afghan forces engaging friendly forces. The mission was declared successful by the JTAC.

Navy F/A-18F Super Hornets performed shows of force near Sheykhabad to deter enemy forces. The JTACs confirmed the missions successful.

Navy F/A-18C Hornets conducted shows of force to deter insurgent activities in the vicinity of Shurakian. The mission was reported successful by the JTAC.

Coalition aircraft performed shows of force in the vicinity of Sangin and near Balocan to deter enemy activities. The JTACs declared the missions successful.

Navy F/A-18E Super Hornets conducted a show of force to deter insurgent activities in the vicinity of Qurya. The mission was confirmed successful by the JTAC.

In total, 79 close air support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

In Iraq, coalition aircraft flew 53 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, 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 146 airlift sorties were flown; 279 tons of cargo delivered, and 5,377 passengers were transported. This included approximately 24,200 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On, Sept. 17, 2008, U.S. Air Force and coalition aerial refueling crews flew 71 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.2 million pounds of fuel to 279 receiving aircraft.

• Date Taken: 09.18.2008
• Date Posted: 09.19.2008 09:41
• Story ID: 23860
• Location: (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)