Airpower: A-10s flex muscles

US Air Force,

SOUTHWEST ASIA: Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 12, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs engaged enemy positions in Garmsir by dropping guided bomb unit-38s and a GBU-12, and firing cannon rounds. Coalition forces were engaging enemy combatants who were in trenches, compounds and tunnels. An on-scene joint terminal attack controller assessed the mission as successful.

A-10 pilots demonstrated their presence over coalition positions in Orgune by firing flares during shows of force conducted. The JTAC deemed the mission a success.

An Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle successfully performed a show of force to deter enemy activities in Musa Qala.

An A-10 showed continued presence over coalition positions north of Kandahar through a show of force. The pilot also conducted a show of force over a suspected enemy compound located in Sangin. The missions were deemed successful.

In total, 34 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Eight Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan.

In Iraq, an Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon performed a show of force to deter enemy action in Bayji. Friendly troops were conducting a patrol in the area. The mission was reported successful by the JTAC.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 62 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions supported coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided over watch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Twenty-four Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, seven Air Force, Navy and Royal Air Force aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intra-theater heavy airlift support, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 144 airlift sorties were flown, 394 tons of cargos were delivered and 3,913 passengers were transported. The airlift included approximately 81,800 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

Coalition C-130 crews from Canada, Iraq and Japan flew in support of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.

On Dec. 11, Air Force, French and RAF tankers flew 37 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.8 million pounds of fuel to 216 receiving aircraft.