Hell Hath No Fury Like Warthogs Scorned
Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in
Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan
during operations September 27, according to Combined Air and Space
Operations Center officials in Southeast Asia.
In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs (also known
by their less-flattering nickname, "Warthogs" --
Ed.) performed shows of force to deter
insurgent activities in the vicinity of Bagram and near Asmar. The
missions were reported a success by the JTACs.
In the vicinity of Sangin, a Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet performed
shows of force to provide armed aerial surveillance and to deter
insurgent activities. The mission was declared a success by the
JTACs.
In the vicinity of Mazar E Sharif, Air Force A-10s performed
shows of force to deter insurgent activities and fighting positions
engaging coalition forces with small arms and indirect fire. The
missions were reported a success by the JTACs.
Coalition aircraft performed shows of force to deter enemy
activities in the vicinity of Gereshk. A JTAC confirmed the
missions successful.
In total, 69 close-air-support missions were flown as part of
the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and
route patrols.
Thirteen Air Force and coalition intelligence, surveillance and
reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in
Afghanistan. Additionally, four Navy and coalition aircraft
performed tactical reconnaissance.
In Iraq, an Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon performed shows of
force in the vicinity of Baghdad. The mission was reported a
success by the JTAC.
In total, coalition aircraft flew 38 close-air-support missions
for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions integrated and
synchronized with coalition ground forces, protected key
infrastructure, provided overwatch for reconstruction activities
and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.
Twenty-four Air Force, Navy and coalition ISR aircraft flew
missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, three Air
Force and coalition aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.
Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft and C-17 Globemaster IIIs
provided intra-theater heavy airlift, helping to sustain operations
throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.
Approximately 116 airlift sorties were flown, 537 tons of cargo
delivered and 3,074 passengers were transported. This included
approximately 9,300 pounds of troop resupply airdropped in
Afghanistan.
Coalition C-130 crews flew as part of operations in Afghanistan
or Iraq.
On September 26, Air Force and coalition tanker crews flew 55
sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.4 million pounds of fuel to
257 receiving aircraft.