Airpower Summary for January 16

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

01.16.2010

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 Jan. 16, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

Air Operations in Afghanistan:

Shurakian
Air Force MQ-9A Reaper aircraft provided armed overwatch and reconnaissance for friendly ground forces. When an enemy firing position opened fire on friendly ground forces, coordinates of the enemy position were confirmed. MQ-9A operators fired a missile that destroyed the enemy firing position.

An aircrew of a B-1B aircraft provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. When civilian women and children started fleeing the area shows of force were conducted to deter any potential enemy activity. The shows of force were successful in deterring enemy action in the area.

Asadabad
Air force F-16C pilots provided armed overwatch, for friendly ground forces. Ground forces stated they were taking enemy fire from two enemy positions. When the points of origin for the enemy fire were confirmed, pilots released precision-guided munitions and destroyed the targets. The enemy fire ceased from both positions.

Musa Qala
An Air Force B-1B Lancer aircrew provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. The friendly forces reported enemy fire pinning them down as they were leaving the area so the aircrew conducted a show of force. The show of force was considered successful as the friendly force was able to safely evacuate the area. The B-1B aircraft stayed in the area and was utilized for armed overwatch of other areas.

Kandahar
An aircrew flying an Air Force B-1B provided armed overwatch for a friendly forces convoy. When the convoy approached an area known for enemy forces activity, the aircrew conducted a show of force to deter any potential enemy activity. The show of force was declared successful when no enemy fire was received by the convoy.

Pilots of Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. Friendly forces were involved in a meeting with locals and when the event concluded, shows of force were conducted to deter any potential enemy activity. The shows of force were successful as no enemy action was noted.

Tarin Kowt
Coalition pilots provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. Once on station pilots conducted a show of force to instigate enemy action in the area. The show of force was successful as ground forces reported an increase in enemy action and were able to successfully respond. Later, coalition pilots successfully provided armed overwatch for a friendly forces convoy.

Chahar Bagh
U. S. Navy pilots flying F/A-18C Hornet aircraft provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. A show of force was conducted to deter and prevent enemy attacks on friendly forces. The show of force was successful in deterring enemy action in the area.

Morghab
U.S. Air Force aircrews flying F-15E aircraft provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. A show of force was conducted to deter and prevent enemy attacks on friendly forces. The show of force was successful in deterring enemy action in the area.

Air Operations in Iraq:

There was no significant action to report today.

Air Power Statistics:

Close Air Support:
Sorties flown to support ISAF & Afghan security forces: 77
Sorties flown to support Operation IRAQI FREEDOM: 20

Surveillance & Reconnaissance:
Sorties flown in Afghanistan: 30
Sorties flown in Iraq: 26
Tactical reconnaissance sorties flown in Afghanistan: NONE
Tactical reconnaissance sorties flown in Iraq: 2 (USAF)

On January 15
Medical Evacuation:
Air Force HH-60 aircrews and Pararescue Airmen transported 9 patients

Aerial Refueling:
Sorties flown: 40
Fuel delivered: nearly 2.6 million pounds
Aircraft refueled: 167

Air Mobility:
U.S. Air Force airlift sorties: 163
Short tons of delivered cargo: 596
Passengers: nearly 4,900
Airdropped cargo: nearly 140,000 pounds

• Date Taken: 01.16.2010
• Date Posted: 01.18.2010 10:17
• Story ID: 44057
• Location: (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)