Maj. Gen. James Jones visits airmen in the Task Force Spartan area of operations

Photo By Sgt. Melissa Stewart | Maj. Gen. James J. Jones, deputy commander, U.S. Air Forces Central Command, 9th Air Expeditionary Task Force, came to Forward Operating Base Pasab, Oct. 23, to meet with the airmen serving with Combined Task Force Spartan. While at FOB Pasab, he spoke with the 15 airmen living and working there.  

ZHARAY DISTRICT, AFGHANISTAN

10.23.2011

Story by Spc. Melissa Stewart 

3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division

KANDAHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Maj. Gen. James J. Jones, the deputy commander, U.S. Air Forces Central Command, 9th Air Expeditionary Task Force, visited Forward Operating Base Pasab, Oct. 23, to meet with the airmen serving with Combined Task Force Spartan.

The airmen working with CTF Spartan are primarily Joint Terminal Attack Controllers. A JTAC is an U.S. Air Force airman qualified to control and direct close air support aircraft, like the A-10 Warthog and F-16 Fighting Falcon, as well as targeting weapons systems on enemy targets, all while patrolling with infantrymen on the ground. The JTAC provides an important asset to the battlefield by fusing fixed-wing close air support assets with the ground scheme of maneuver.

Jones is responsible for the air operations in support of International Security Assistance Forces, as well as United States Forces-Iraq. The purpose of his visit was to assess the air assets attached to TF Spartan and meet the airmen in person. His entire visit was spent learning about the successes and areas of improvement with air assets, while also speaking with the service members making it happen.

Upon arrival to FOB Pasab, Jones was met by 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team leaders and given a quick briefing on what the task force’s airmen provide for TF Spartan. Jones then met with about 15 airmen and answered questions they had for him, before they showed him some of the new technologies they use on the battlefield.

Next, they moved to Combat Outpost Ahmad Khan, which is 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment’s area of operations. He spoke with Lt. Col. Kenny Mintz, 1-32 Infantry commander, and then met with more airmen operating out of COP Ahmadkhan.

Jones and TF Spartan commanders returned to FOB Pasab and walked through the Zharay District Bazaar and District Center before he and his team moved on to see more units.

• Date Taken: 10.23.2011
• Date Posted: 10.26.2011 08:07
• Story ID: 79024
• Location: ZHARAY DISTRICT, AF