AAF executes emergency resupply in wake of attack

Afghan Air Force and coalition members prepare to launch two Mi-17s in support of an emergency resupply mission April 12, 2013 at Jalalabad Airfield, Afghanistan. The AAF team received the tasking and, working with NATC-A advisors and coalition forces, deployed two Mi-17s in coordination with two AH-64 Apache helicopters from Task Force Dragon Aerial Weapons Team. (courtesy photos)

AAF executes emergency resupply in wake of attack

Two Afghan Air Force Mi-17 helicopters launch from Jalalabad Airfield, Afghanistan April 12, 2013 in support of an emergency resupply mission. Despite the short notice, the AAF was able to plan and execute an 11-sortie mission between six different AAF bases and forward operating bases, providing vital reinforcements, ammunition and supplies to retake the remote outpost in eastern Afghanistan in the wake of an attack. (courtesy photo)

AAF executes emergency resupply in wake of attack

Published April 17, 2013
By Capt. Anastasia Wasem
438th Air Expeditionary Wing

JALALABAD, Afghanistan -- The Afghan Air Force successfully planned and executed an emergency resupply and human remains mission following an attack April 12 near Jalalabad Airfield, Afghanistan.

The detachment completed the mission on a remote outpost in eastern Afghanistan in coordination with the Ministry of Defense, the 201st Corps from Kabul Air Wing and Task Force Dragon.

"By executing this mission we were able to show the capabilities of the Afghan Air Force," said Col. Rahim Jan, Jalalabad Air Regional Command commander. "Each mission that we execute successfully without mistakes is always a big honor for the nation, the personnel and especially the Afghan Air Force."

In only 50 minutes, members of the AAF were able to plan, brief and take-off in support of the emergency tasking.

"It was quick and efficient," said Maj. Marcus Janecek, NATO Air Training Command-Afghanistan Detachment 1 commander. "All coordination was done through the proper channels in a timely manner ensuring required support was scheduled and available for the mission."

Despite the short notice, the AAF was able to plan and execute an 11-sortie mission between six different AAF bases and forward operating bases, providing vital reinforcements, ammunition and supplies to retake the outpost. The AAF team received the tasking and, working with NATC-A advisors and coalition forces, deployed two Mi-17s in coordination with two AH-64 Apache helicopters from Task Force Dragon Aerial Weapons Team.

"The mission was successful due to clear and concise communication between all agencies involved," said Janecek. "And coordinated command and control enabled the rapid execution of an important mission."

The quick response was made possible by the continued coordination and cooperation between AAF members and coalition members.

"Being able to quickly respond in a situation such as this, and having a better Afghan Air Force, is vital to the future of Afghanistan," said Rahim Jan. "With each mission that we execute successfully, we are able to better serve the nation and protect the borders of Afghanistan."