Airpower Summary for December 18, 2009

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

12.18.2009

Courtesy Story

United States Air Forces Central           

SOUTHWEST ASIA — Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations, Dec. 18, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials.

Air Operations in Afghanistan:

Orgun-E
Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft flew armed overwatch for friendly forces. When enemy forces were observed near the friendly forces setting up a fighting position, precision guided munitions were released on the enemy target. The enemy fighting position was destroyed, eliminating a potential threat to the friendly forces.

Chahar Bagh
Coalition aircraft provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. When enemy forces were observed nearing the friendly forces position, a strafing run was made and the enemy forces were observed vacating the area.

Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. The friendly forces reported taking enemy fire and requested air power assistance. A show of force (with numerous flares expended) was performed and ended the enemy small arms fire.

Shahidan
Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft provided reconnaissance and surveillance for a friendly forces patrol and convoy. The aircraft was looking for any unusual activity in the area. A show of force was performed when enemy small arms fire was reported hitting the patrol. The show of force was considered successful when no further enemy action was noted.

Tani
F-15E aircraft provided armed overwatch for a friendly forces dismounted patrol. A show of force was performed to ensure no enemy action took place around the friendly forces. The show of force was considered successful when no enemy action was noted.

Air Operations in Iraq:

No significant action to report in the last 24 hours.

Air Power Statistics:

Air Mobility:
U.S. Air Force airlift sorties: 153
Short tons of delivered cargo: 484
Passengers: nearly 4,700
Airdropped cargo: nearly 130,000 pounds

Close Air Support:
Sorties flown to support ISAF & Afghan security forces: 59
Sorties flown to support Operation IRAQI FREEDOM: 20

Surveillance & Reconnaissance:
Sorties flown in Afghanistan: 29
Sorties flown in Iraq: 28
Tactical reconnaissance sorties flown in Afghanistan: NONE
Tactical reconnaissance sorties flown in Iraq: 2 (USAF)

Medical Evacuation:
On December 17, Air Force HH-60 aircrew and Pararescue Airmen transported 9 patients

Aerial Refueling:
Sorties flown: 46
Fuel delivered: nearly 3.0 million pounds
Aircraft refueled: 214

• Date Taken: 12.18.2009
• Date Posted: 12.22.2009 07:32
• Story ID: 43034
• Location: (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)