AL UDEID AIR BASE, Qatar -- U.S. Air Forces Central Command published its April Airpower Summary today.
The U.S. Air Force’s fifth generation multi-role aircraft, the F-35A Lightning II, arrived in theater for its first Middle East deployment in April.
“We have brought our newest and most capable fighter to AFCENT in order to demonstrate our commitment to security and stability in the Gulf region,” said Lt. Gen. Joseph T. Guastella, U.S. AFCENT commander.
Two of the deployed F-35As conducted an air strike at Wadi Ashai, Iraq, in support of Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve on April 30. The F-35As conducted the airstrike using a Joint Direct Attack Munition to strike an entrenched Daesh tunnel network and weapons cache deep in the Hamrin Mountains, a location able to threaten friendly forces.
As part of AFCENT’s efforts to improve the delivery of war-winning air power and build partner capacity, it conducted two major exercises in April. The Air Warfare Center executed Desert Flag, a three-week joint and multilateral exercise. U.S. military personnel and multiple partner nations participated in the exercise, which involved various multi-role fighters, air refueling, command and control, and support aircraft.
Additionally, the multilateral Air and Missile Defense Exercise brought together 2,800 U.S. service members from the Air Force, Army and Navy. Four partner nations also participated to improve combined tactical air operations and strengthen military-to-military relationships.
“AMDEX is the pinnacle air and missile defense exercise in the Arabian Gulf that we conduct with our joint, Coalition, and partner nations,” Guastella said. “Strengthening skills and interoperability with our allies prepares us to defend the region in air, space and cyberspace.”
The airpower summary is online at the following link: April 2019
Operation Freedom’s Sentinel in Afghanistan
United States and Coalition forces along with their Afghan Air counterparts continue to increase the security throughout Afghanistan, creating space for a negotiated political settlement that safeguards all our national interests.
In April, the air component flew 1,159 intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance sorties, 721 strike sorties and released 548 weapons in Afghanistan.
Airlifters flew 965 sorties transporting 11,445 personnel, 6,550 short tons of cargo and performed one airdrop. Throughout the month, tanker aircraft delivered 13 million pounds of fuel, flying 351 sorties with 1,890 aerial refuelings.
The Afghan Air Force deployed two additional A-29s, munitions, support personnel and equipment to Mazar-e-Sharif on Apr. 5, 2019. The AAF then demonstrated its air-ground integration capabilities supporting the 209th Corps during a Taliban offensive in Bala Murghad district, Badghis province.
Maj. Gen. Abdul Ramin, Afghan Air Force commander, lauded the increased combat capability in the region. "Our professional and capable air force's priority is to protect our country from the enemy. In this moment, our air power is needed in Badghis to support our ground forces defending the district,” said Ramin.
The AAF aircrew members and planners, advised by U.S. and Coalition members, collaborated with Afghan National Defense and Security Forces ground components to deliver airpower, resupply and airstrikes, and supported ground force operations to secure peace in the region. All airstrike targets were carefully selected to ensure precise effects while mitigating any civilian casualties.
“Our air force was able to immediately provide casualty evacuation, supply, and armed aerial support to the region within the same day of the attacks. Our success in this mission is testament to our continued commitment in supporting and defending the people of Afghanistan," said Ramin.
Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq and Syria
U.S. and Coalition pilots flew 1,218 strike sorties and1,159 ISR sorties releasing 90 weapons in support of Joint Coalition and partner ground forces’ ISIS clearance operations in April.
During this time, tanker aircraft flew 621 sorties, delivering 43 million pounds of fuel through 4,367 aerial refuelings. C-130 and C-17 airlifters transported 5,484 passengers and 2,497 short tons of cargo in Iraq and Syria through 515 sorties. 112,250 pounds of supplies were also delivered across 8 airdrops in the area of operations.
The Coalition Air Advisor Training Team enabled the Iraqi Air Force to fly their first coalition sortie. The team also continued to make great strides with train-the-trainer programs, graduating two Iraqi instructor classes in April. Additionally, the CAATT Senior Enlisted Advisor hosted the first Iraqi Senior Enlisted Conference, paving the way for enlisted force development that will increase the overall effectiveness of the Iraqi Security Forces.
“These accomplishments exemplify how our coalition of air advisors and agile combat supporters are making historic improvements in close cooperation with our Iraqi partners to support coalition forces and build Iraqi air power to enable regional security and ensure the lasting defeat of ISIS,” said Brig. Gen. Brook Leonard, the Director of Air Operations, Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve.
Editor's Note: A previous version of this story stated an incorrect number of Operation Freedom's Sentinel strike sorties.