Airpower Summary for May 14, 2009

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

05.17.2009

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 14, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials.

In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles conducted strafing runs against anti-Afghan forces near Lashkar Gah. The strike took place during a firefight in which a friendly military vehicle was destroyed. The jets carried out shows of force as an unheeded deterrent prior to engaging enemy forces.

An Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II flew a show of force and expended flares for emphasis over Salerno after enemy forces attacked a Coalition forward base. The arrival of the aircraft prompted an immediate retreat by enemy personnel.

Near Ghazni, A-10s performed shows of force to increase security presence as Afghan and coalition troops started taking fire as they returned to their vehicles. The show of force suppressed hostile fire allowing the patrol to withdraw and return to base. Another A-10 conducted a show of force after a convoy was struck by an improvised explosive device, halting an ambush which followed the blast. Later, an F-15E and an A-10 conducted additional shows of force and expended flares in the area to deter additional enemy activity.

F-15Es flew shows of force in Gereshk and Bagram, expending flares, to prevent attacks against Afghan and coalition units. The F-15s also provided overwatch, allowing ground forces to carry out their missions.

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, a UK Royal Air Force GR-4 Tornado performed a show of force near Al Hillah after a friendly convoy was hit by an IED to deter a potential insurgent attack. The Tornado flew overwatch as medevac helicopters arrived to transport patients injured by the blast to a coalition medical facility.

An Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon flew a show of force over Mosul in support of an Iraqi security forces operation. The aircraft also provided armed reconnaissance for ground forces.

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 150 airlift sorties were flown; 450 tons of cargo was delivered; and about 3,200 passengers were transported.

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

On May 13, U.S. Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 52 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.1 million pounds of fuel to 229 receiving aircraft.

• Date Taken: 05.17.2009
• Date Posted: 05.17.2009 02:03
• Story ID: 33710
• Location: (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)