Airpower Summary for May 13

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

05.13.2009

Courtesy Story

United States Air Forces Central       

SOUTHWEST ASIA — Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations, May 13, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II conducted strafing runs against anti-Afghan forces in the vicinity of Malek Din. The aircraft carried out the strikes after enemy forces launched mortar attacks on friendly units.

Coalition aircraft performed shows of force over enemy positions to suppress enemy fire near Lashkar Gah. The jets intervened after gunmen began shooting at Afghan and coalition soldiers from a compound and a tree line. An additional coalition aircraft stayed in the area to provide additional cover for friendly ground forces.

In the Qal-E-Naw area, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles conducted shows of force as an Afghan national army convoy came under fire. Enemy gunmen had been launching rocket propelled grenades and shooting assault weapons towards the convoy until the presence of aircraft suppressed the attack.

Near Musa Qala, a Navy F/A-18C Hornet performed a show of force over an enemy position in a compound. The demonstration of air support limited enemy freedom of action while a coalition patrol conducted operations through the area.

A Hornet conducted a show of force after Afghan national army forces started taking gunfire in the vicinity of Kandahar. The maneuver suppressed the attack and prevented further enemy action.

Joint terminal attack controllers assigned to coalition units verified the success of these missions.

In total, 77 close air support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

In Iraq, coalition aircraft flew 22 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.

Thirty Air Force and Navy surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. In addition, 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 140 airlift sorties were flown; 380 tons of cargo were delivered; and about 2,900 passengers were transported. This included approximately 27,000 pounds of resupply cargo airdropped over Afghanistan.

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

On May 12, U.S. Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 50 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.1 million pounds of fuel to 235 receiving aircraft.

• Date Taken: 05.13.2009
• Date Posted: 05.14.2009 08:59
• Story ID: 33606
• Location: (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)