Military

Airpower Summary: Feb. 22

Release Number: 280210

2/25/2010 - SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations February 22 according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

Air Operations in Afghanistan:

Close Air Support

Konduz, Regional Command-North
U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon pilots and F-15E Strike Eagle aircrews provided armed overwatch for friendly ground forces and a friendly-forces convoy. Friendly ground forces reported taking enemy small-arms and rocket-propelled-grenade fire and requested shows of force to prevent further enemy aggression. The shows of force, with flares launched, were deemed successful when desired effects were achieved.

Shkin, RC-E
F-15E aircrews provided armed overwatch to friendly forces. The aircrews conducted a show of force to deter enemy action. The show of force was successful.

Balocan, RC-S
U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots conducted a show of force above a compound to support friendly forces in contact with enemy personnel. The show of force was successful.

Gereshk, RC-S
U.S. Navy F/A-18C Hornet pilots conducted several shows of force, launching numerous flares. The shows of force were successful.

Landar, RC-E
F-15E aircrews provided armed overwatch to friendly forces. The aircrews conducted a show of force to deter enemy action. The show of force was successful.

Airlift Action

Badghis Province, RC-W
A U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules aircrew flew a combat-resupply mission in Badghis Province, Afghanistan, airdropping approximately 35,000 pounds of supplies to friendly forces.

U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules aircrews later flew another combat-resupply mission in Badghis Province, Afghanistan, airdropping approximately 60,000 pounds of supplies to friendly forces.

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: 79
Sorties flown to support Operation IRAQI FREEDOM: 4

Surveillance & Reconnaissance:
Sorties flown in Afghanistan: 34
Sorties flown in Iraq: 23

On February 21
Medical Evacuation:
Air Force HH-60 aircrews and Pararescue Airmen transported 16 patients

Aerial Refueling:
Sorties flown: 44
Fuel delivered: approximately 2.6 million pounds
Aircraft refueled: 200

Air Mobility:
U.S. Air Force airlift sorties: 176
Short tons of delivered cargo: 910
Passengers: nearly 5,100
Airdropped cargo: approximately 95,000 pounds