Airpower Summary for March 9

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

03.09.2010

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, March 9, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

Air Operations in Afghanistan:

Close Air Support

Musa Qala, Regional Command-South
U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. Pilots conducted a show of force to deter enemy forces from firing rocket-propelled grenades. The show of force was deemed successful when enemy fire ceased.

Asadabad, RC-E
U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon pilots provided close air support to friendly forces. Pilots were passed coordinates for several enemy positions firing against friendly forces. Pilots released precision-guided munitions on the enemy positions to deter enemy aggression and destroy enemy positions. The action was declared successful by ground control.

Asmar, RC-E
F-16C pilots provided armed overwatch for a friendly-forces convoy caught in an ambush. Pilots released a precision-guided munition against an enemy fighting position that destroyed it and eliminated the threat to friendly forces.

Later, F-16C pilots continued to provide armed overwatch for friendly forces. When an imminent attack on friendly forces developed, pilots conducted a show of force, with flares launched, to deter enemy aggression. The show of force was successful as no enemy action as noted.

Konduz, RC-N
U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircrews provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. The aircrews released a precision-guided munition against an enemy vehicle to prevent an engagement against friendly forces.

Farah, RC-W
A-10 pilots provided close air support to friendly forces following the detonation of an improvised-explosive device. Pilots conducted a show of force, with flares launched, to deter anti-Afghan forces activity in the vicinity of the blast. The show of force was declared successful when no enemy action was noted.

Chahar Bagh, RC-S
U.S. Navy F/A-18C pilots provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. Pilots conducted a show of force, with flares launched, to deter enemy action in the area. The show of force was successful as no enemy action was noted.

Sar Banader, RC-S
F/A-18C pilots provided armed overwatch for friendly ground forces. Pilots conducted a show of force, with flares launched. The show of force was deemed successful when pilots met the ground commander's intent.

Airlift Action

Ghazni province, RC-E
A U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules aircrew flew a combat-resupply mission in Ghazni province, Afghanistan, airdropping approximately 30,000 pounds of combat-sustainment supplies to friendly forces.

Oruzgan province, RC-W
A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircrew flew a combat-resupply mission in Oruzgan province, Afghanistan, airdropping approximately 71,000 pounds of supplies to friendly forces.

Helmand province, RC-S
A U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules aircrew flew a combat-airdrop mission in Helmand province, Afghanistan, delivering approximately 34,000 pounds of supplies to friendly forces.

Air Operations in Iraq:

Nothing significant to report, March 9.

Air Power Statistics:

Close Air Support:
Sorties flown to support ISAF & Afghan security forces: 81
Sorties flown to support Operation Iraqi Freedom: 20

Surveillance & Reconnaissance:
Sorties flown in Afghanistan: 35
Sorties flown in Iraq: 18

On March 08
Air Mobility:
U.S. Air Force airlift sorties: 168
Short tons of delivered cargo: 858
Passengers: approximately 4,100
Airdropped cargo: approximately 135,000 pounds

Aerial Refueling:
Sorties flown: 45
Fuel delivered: approximately 2.9 million pounds
Aircraft refueled: 267

Personnel Recovery, Casualty Evacuation and Aero-medical Evacuations:
Casualty Evacuation -- Air Force Rescue Airmen transported 10 patients
Saves: 2
Assists: 8
Other: 0
Hero Flights: 0
Sorties flown to support OEF: 11
Sorties flown to support OIF: 0

• Date Taken: 03.09.2010
• Date Posted: 03.10.2010 12:22
• Story ID: 46455
• Location: (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)