Misawa pilots honored for 'most meritorious flight'
by Senior Airman Stefanie Torres
35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
5/6/2008 - MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- Fighting through Afghanistan's windstorms with the help of Night Vision Goggles, the pilot's executed their plan with precision.
They were only minutes away from terminating the mission and diverting to an emergency airfield before finally releasing more than a dozen GBU-38s in a matter of 25 seconds.
"The initial waves of 500-pound precision bombs were direct hits," said Lt. Col. Stephen "Torch" Williams, 13th Fighter Squadron commander, who was the mission commander.
The pilots were allotted a two-minute window of attack and managed to hit while deconflicting with 160 strikes from other aircraft. Coalition ground forces could now conduct raids on Taliban positions.
"It was impressive to see the number of aircraft loaded with munitions, and tankers full of fuel headed into the country for the attack," said Capt. Lawrence "Gordo" Sullivan, 13th FS pilot who also flew on the mission.
During a secret mission never before attempted, four 13th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron pilots who deployed to central Iraq from Misawa Air Base, took to the skies toward Eastern Afghanistan Aug. 12, 2007, for a historical record-breaking 11-hour flight that led them to receive the Clarence MacKay Trophy for 2007.
The MacKay Trophy is awarded annually for "the most meritorious flight" of the year.
Panther 11 (pronounced one-one) flight was called upon to support an Operation Enduring Freedom mission 2,100 miles away from their location. This mission marked the first time F-16s would embark on such a long journey and with little knowledge of what to expect.
The four-ship F-16CJs covered six foreign country airspaces, worked with new operating instructions and refueled a total of 13 times.
After arriving in the target area, and minutes before the attack, they were informed their post-strike tanker was diverted 400 miles from the pre-planned refueling point, potentially forcing an unscheduled landing in Afghanistan.
"There were a couple of points during the flight where we weren't sure if we would have enough gas to make it all the way back," said Captain Sullivan.
But only minutes after their attack, Panther 11 managed to find an unscheduled tanker and direct it toward their position for refueling. This allowed the flight to begin the long trip home, and prevented the jets and pilots from being stranded in a foreign war zone where nobody was expecting them.
The area flown, almost entirely at night, was not the uncharacteristic part about the mission. The uniqueness of the global strike mission had to do with the F-16 going the distance, explained Colonel Williams.
"Our usual sorties in Iraq were from three and a half to four hours and this one was 11," he said. "We traveled the equivalent distance from New York to L.A. and back."
An evening meeting was conducted the night before the attack to discuss possible outcomes of such an unusual flight. The length of the trip was physically and mentally demanding.
Colonel Williams heard about the mission and had less than 24 hours to plan their attack.
With this type of mission, he knew they were "going into the unknown."
"Part of what made this mission unique was the fact that the pilots would operate in a new Area of Responsibility for the first time with minimum preparation," said Colonel Williams. "Support from aerial refueling tankers, which was absolutely necessary for making the long trip, was not listed on the daily Air Tasking Order due to the sensitive nature of the mission and the targets."
It was "a pass or fail mission" and the colonel had to pick the best people for his team.
"I wanted Weapons Instructor graduates for their ability to handle what we were getting into," said Colonel Williams.
The 13th EFS pilots included Col. Charles Moore, Capt. Lawrence Sullivan and Capt. Kristopher Struve.
"I knew that we had each been fortunate to see challenging missions like this one as students and instructors at the Weapons School," he said. "On a very short timeline and without hesitation, I knew these were the guys."
While the pilots went into crew rest to meet the demands of the morning, Maj. Cameron Caroom, also deployed with the aircrew, conducted mission planning throughout the evening.
"I knew that it would be challenging to develop all of the materials that were needed in that short a time frame," said Major Caroom, 35th Fighter Wing Weapons Officer at Misawa. But U.S. Air Force Weapons School prepared him for his preparatory experience on a larger scale.
Only 18 hours after receiving their tasking, the pilots launched from the base in Iraq with the awareness of what challenges await them but with limitless possibilities of what might happen.
"We knew that we would have to coordinate for changes while airborne and so far away from home," said Captain Sullivan.
"From a flyers perspective the mission went like clockwork," said the captain. "We had a solid mission plan, we executed the mission and got everyone back safely. This is what we train to do and it was an honor to have the opportunity to accomplish our part of the airpower mission and to achieve the desired effects."
The success of the historic, short-notice global strike mission was made possible through so many support agencies, explained Colonel Williams.
"Most of the agencies didn't have any details of the mission but they all came together for a successful flight."
"The tankers did an outstanding job of fulfilling the heavy commitment they had that night for the overall mission," said Captain Sullivan. "We were just one flight of many aircraft and the tankers were extremely flexible, efficient and effective. They deserve a lot of credit for what they were able to do."
The Mackay Trophy is the oldest award presented exclusively to flying officers of the U. S. Air Force. It is awarded annually and is administered by the U.S. Air Force and the National Aeronautic Association.
"It's quite an honor. A lot of the names on that trophy have made a great contribution to airpower," said Colonel Williams. "The success of this mission was based on the team effort of the deployed Misawa personnel working alongside the rest of the Air Force in a deployed location."
The trophy itself is on permanent display at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum in Washington D.C, and the names of these four pilots will be engraved on it next to the likes of Henry 'Hap' Arnold, Eddie Rickenbacker, Jimmy Doolittle, and Chuck Yeager.
Source:
http://www.misawa.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123097577
8/16/2007 - SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) -- Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Aug. 12 to 15, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.
Aug. 12
In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped guided bomb unit-38s on enemy targets in Jalalabad. The aircrews confirmed the drops were successful.
Also in Jalalabad, Air Force B-1B Lancers dropped GBU-38s and GBU-31s on caves, ridgelines and other mountainous areas.
Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs fired rockets and cannon rounds at enemy positions in Jalalabad.
Continuing the engagement in Jalalabad, Navy F/A-18 Super Hornets hit buildings and enemy firing positions with GBU-38s.
Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons also dropped GBU-38s on enemy positions in Jalalabad. [emphasized by J.J.]
An F-15E provided a show of force with flares over an enemy compound near Tarin Kowt. The enemies gave up their position in the compound after the show of force.
In total, 50 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.
Ten Air Force and Royal Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, two RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.
In Iraq, F-16s provided a show of force against enemies firing at ground forces in Balad. The pilots also watched over ground forces leaving the area and looked for any suspicious activities.
In total, coalition aircraft flew 46 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions supported coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided overwatch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.
Thirteen Air Force, Navy and RAF ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq.
Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intra-theater heavy airlift support, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.
Some 123 airlift sorties were flown 452 tons of cargo were delivered and 2,539 passengers were transported. Airlift included approximately 13,050 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.
Coalition C-130 crews from Australia, Canada, Iraq and Korea flew in support of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.
On Aug. 11, Air Force, French and RAF tankers flew 50 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.5 million pounds of fuel to 220 receiving aircraft.
Aug. 13
In Afghanistan, F-15Es dropped GBU-38s and GBU-31s on enemy targets in Jalalabad. The aircrews confirmed the drops were successful.
Also in Jalalabad, a B-1B dropped GBU-38s and GBU-31s on caves, ridgelines and other mountainous areas.
An A-10 fired rockets and cannon rounds at enemy positions in Jalalabad.
An RAF GR-4 Tornado released an enhanced Paveway II munition on an enemy firing position in Lashkar Ghar. An on-scene joint terminal attack controller reported a direct hit.
Another Tornado fired an Paveway II on an enemy compound near Gereshk. An additional GR-4 provided armed overwatch for coalition forces in Sangin.
In Asadabad, A-10s conducted multiple shows of force with flares to deter enemy attacks on coalition forces.
In total, 63 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.
Twelve Air Force and RAF intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, two RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.
In Iraq, a B-1B released GBU-38s and GBU-31s on enemy targets in Baquba.
GR4s released a Paveway II and fired cannon rounds at insurgents who were carrying rockets. The aircrews conducted a show of force to deter the insurgents from recovering the rockets.
In Baghdad, Thunderbolt IIs conducted armed overwatch and search for immediate threats to personnel on the ground.
Also in Baghdad, an F-16 searched for enemy movements and countered improvised explosive device activities.
In total, coalition aircraft flew 66 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions supported coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided overwatch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.
Eighteen Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, four Navy aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.
Air Force C-130s and C-17s provided intra-theater heavy airlift support, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.
Some 129 airlift sorties were flown, 449 tons of cargo were delivered and 3,085 passengers were transported. Airlift included approximately 6,400 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.
Coalition C-130 crews from Australia, Canada, Iraq and Japan flew in support of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.
On Aug. 12, Air Force, French and RAF tankers flew 65 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.2 million pounds of fuel to 261 receiving aircraft.
Aug. 14
In Afghanistan, F-15Es dropped GBU-38s and GBU-31s on enemy targets in Jalalabad. The aircrews confirmed the drops were successful. Some of the targets included firing positions and bunkers.
Also in Jalalabad, a B-1B dropped GBU-38s and GBU-31s on enemy positions. The drops were deemed successful.
A-10s fired rockets and cannon rounds at enemy positions also in Jalalabad. The pilots confirmed good hits.
A Navy EA-6B Prowler provided a successful show of force with multiple flares over Khowst.
In total, 67 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.
Eleven Air Force and RAF intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan.
In Iraq, F-16s conducted a successful show a force to stop improvised explosive device emplacers in Ad Diwaniyah. The pilots also watched over a raid in which a high value target was captured.
Other F-16s provided shows of force with flares to break up a crowd forming around a forward operating base in Al Najaf. The show of force was to ensure there were no attacks on the base. The pilots also watched over a tractor trailer struck by an IED.
More F-16s watched over and monitored activities throughout Baghdad.
GR-4s fired Paveway II munitions on a house that was booby trapped in Al Muqdadiyah. The house was destroyed and secondary explosions were witnessed, indicating other explosive devices were present.
In Baquba, F-16s destroyed another booby-trapped house to help coalition forces continue clearing the area.
F-16s destroyed a house in Taji with GBU-38s and a GBU-12. Insurgents had attacked ground forces then fled to the house prior to the air strike.
In total, coalition aircraft flew 62 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions supported coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided overwatch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.
Fifteen Air Force, Navy and Royal Australian Air Force ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, six Navy and RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.
Air Force C-130s and C-17s provided intra-theater heavy airlift support, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.
Some 125 airlift sorties were flown, 586 tons of cargo were delivered and 3,257 passengers were transported. Airlift included approximately 62,000 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.
Coalition C-130 crews from Australia, Canada, Iraq and Japan flew in support of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.
On Aug. 13, Air Force, French and RAF tankers flew 68 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.9 million pounds of fuel to 271 receiving aircraft.
Aug. 15
In Afghanistan, F-15Es dropped GBU-38s and GBU-12s on enemy targets in Jalalabad. The aircrews confirmed the drops as successful. Some of the targets included firing positions, bunkers and caves.
In total, 42 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.
Eleven Air Force and RAF intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, two RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.
In Iraq, an Air Force MQ-1 Predator destroyed a vehicle in Basrah with a Hellfire missile.
A GR-4 provided a show of force with flares to keep insurgents from attacking during a medical evacuation at Basrah Palace. There were no attacks on the evacuation after the show of force.
F-16s provided armed overwatch for ground forces looking for an improvised explosive device emplacement team in Taji. The pilots watched over a demonstration at a soccer stadium.
Also in Taji, other F-16s dropped a GBU-38 and a GBU-12 on a buried mortar. The pilots had followed a truck suspected of having the mortar inside. The pilots then watched the insurgents remove the mortar from the vehicle and bury it. Then they blew it up. More F-16s watched over other parts of the city and looked for more mortar launches.
F/A-18s provided convoy escort and overwatch for a medical evacuation near Muqdadiyah.
Also in Muqdadiyah, other Hornets fired a Hellfire missile and a GBU-51 at a building. The interior of the building was destroyed. The pilots also watched over another medical evacuation in the area.
More F/A-18s fired cannon rounds at insurgents using boats in Baqubah.
F-16s destroyed a weapons cache in Tarmiyah with GBU-12s.
In total, coalition aircraft flew 64 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions supported coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided over watch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.
Nineteen Air Force, Navy, RAF and RAAF ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, six Navy and RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.
C-130s and C-17s provided intra-theater heavy airlift support, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.
Some 131 airlift sorties were flown, 530 tons of cargo were delivered and 2,532 passengers were transported. Airlift included approximately 26,160 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.
Coalition C-130 crews from Canada, Iraq, and Japan flew in support of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.
On Aug. 14, Air Force, French and RAF tankers flew 68 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.5 million pounds of fuel to 283 receiving aircraft.
Source:
http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123064756)
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