Subscribe to RSS
http://www.militarytimes.com/news/2009/08/airforce_afghan_close_air_082109w/
Warplanes set record over Afghanistan
By Bruce Rolfsen - Staff writer
Posted : Friday Aug 21, 2009 17:05:35 EDT
Posted : Friday Aug 21, 2009 17:05:35 EDT
Fighters and bombers over Afghanistan set a one-day record for close-air support sorties on Wednesday, Air Forces Central Command numbers show.
The warplanes flew 94 sorties above Afghanistan, according to the daily airpower summary. Also flown were 33 reconnaissance sorties. The same day over Iraq, only 30 close-air support missions were flown.
A year ago, warplanes typically flew 50 to 70 sorties a day for Afghanistan missions.
The increase came as Afghanistan prepared for its national election Thursday and coalition troops pushed against insurgents in eastern and southern Afghanistan.
Helping drive up the numbers was recent addition of an F-16 squadron to Bagram Air Force Base, already home to F-15Es. Also flying missions were A-10s out of Kandahar Air Base, B-1Bs bombers launching from al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, and carrier-based Navy F/A-18s.
On at least three missions, aircraft dropped guided bombs and on three other missions flew strafing runs.
Leave a Comment
Most Viewed Stories
- Marine scout snipers used Nazi SS logo
- Amos sorry for Marine use of Nazi SS logo
- Pentagon opens more military jobs to women
- Wife found guilty in Navy doc’s stabbing death
- Analysis: Navy may benefit in revamped military
- DoD to recommend new combat roles for women
- Navy probes site of 200-year-old shipwreck
- Congress OKs bill opening U.S. skies to drones
Contests and Promotions
Win Tactical Night Vision Goggles!
Enter to Win the Military Times Sweepstakes!
Click Here To Enter.
Enter our 2012 Red Carpet Contest!
Predict who will get the statues on Hollywood's big night and win a $200 Fandango Gift Card!
Click Here To Enter.
Free Stickers
Click here and we'll send you a FREE AFGHANISTAN, IRAQ, VIETNAM, or DESERT STORM sticker.
Marketplace
Mil-Mall
VALOR and VISION: Heroes * Leaders * InnovationThis commemorative Military Times magazine, tells, in pictures and short essays, the story of our past decade at war.
Military Discounts
Save on your purchases!
In honor of your military service, you can find regular and name brand products at a special discount.
