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Fighter aircraft help apprehend insurgents
Air Force Links ^

Posted on 03/21/2006 4:33:14 PM PST by SandRat

3/21/2006 - SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) -- Air Force fighter aircraft pilots helped apprehend three suspected insurgents accused of mortaring Balad Air Base, Iraq, March 16.

The pilots, who flew two F-15E Strike Eagles with the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing, were on a close-air-support mission near Balad when mortars were detected by the base’s Joint Defense Operation Center.

The JDOC is charged with overseeing the integrated defense of Balad Air Base and Logistical Support Area Anaconda. It is staffed by Airmen and Soldiers, and it uses a variety of sensors and tactical surveillance to monitor inside the installation perimeter and surrounding area.

After the attack, the JDOC quickly calculated the point of origin of the mortar launch and immediately relayed the coordinates to the aircrews, who moved to that location.

The aircrews, using their electro-optical and infrared (day/night) sensor capability, quickly located three individuals fleeing in a vehicle from the area where the mortars originated.

The aircrews continued to monitor the vehicle until it stopped at a house. They then relayed the location of the house to the JDOC. Army Task Force 3-29, 101st Airborne Division (Assault), moved in to check out the location.

An MQ-1 Predator unmanned aerial vehicle remained over the area, guiding Soldiers from TF 3-29 to the location. Shortly after the Soldiers arrived, three suspects were detained. Initial field tests on the subjects indicated chemical explosive residue was present on all three.

“This engagement is an exceptional example of how air forces are contributing to the counterinsurgency campaign -- in this case by the overwhelming advantage we have in the innovative use of fighter aircraft for non-traditional intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance,” said Royal Air Force Air Commodore Ray Lock, Combined Air Operations Center director.

“This increased ‘eye-in-the-sky’ capability and the speed with which we can pass information around the battlefield are real force multipliers,” Commodore Lock said. “The nature of this engagement is becoming the norm as we meld joint capabilities together -- whether it be to locate insurgents, vector in ground forces to capture them or even to take strike action, the results show the tremendous impact that can be delivered by modern air power.”

(Courtesy of Central Command Air Forces Public Affairs)


TOPICS: Foreign Affairs; War on Terror
KEYWORDS: aircraft; apprehend; fighter; help; insurgents; iraq; terrorists

1 posted on 03/21/2006 4:33:16 PM PST by SandRat
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To: 2LT Radix jr; 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub; 80 Square Miles; A Ruckus of Dogs; acad1228; AirForceMom; ..

Now that's Jointness!!!!


2 posted on 03/21/2006 4:33:41 PM PST by SandRat (Duty, Honor, Country. What else needs to be said?)
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To: Becki; mickie; Dog; Deetes; Gucho; iso; ravingnutter; Straight Vermonter; TexKat

ping


3 posted on 03/21/2006 4:39:21 PM PST by Wiz
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To: SandRat

Excellent!


4 posted on 03/21/2006 4:46:32 PM PST by Mister Da (Nuke 'em til they glow!)
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To: SandRat
Like a well oiled machine...

Congrats to all involved. Way to go!

5 posted on 03/21/2006 4:52:04 PM PST by upchuck (Wikipedia.com - the most unbelievable web site in the world.)
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To: SandRat
Now that's Jointness!!!!

Makes ya proud doesn't it!!!

6 posted on 03/21/2006 4:54:09 PM PST by JDoutrider
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To: SandRat
"Initial field tests on the subjects indicated chemical explosive residue was present on all three."

Sheesh! we gotta read 'em their Miranda Rights too?

7 posted on 03/21/2006 4:58:44 PM PST by Minutemen ("It's a Religion of Peace")
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To: SandRat

ha ha. I bet those goons where surprised by the knock on the door.


8 posted on 03/21/2006 5:24:03 PM PST by Marine_Uncle (Honor must be earned)
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To: SandRat

I love it when a plan comes together!


9 posted on 03/21/2006 6:08:29 PM PST by StarCMC (All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing...thank you Sarge.)
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To: SandRat

BTTT


10 posted on 03/22/2006 3:08:22 AM PST by E.G.C.
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To: SandRat

bttt


11 posted on 03/22/2006 3:09:59 AM PST by bmwcyle (We got permits, yes we DO! We got permits, how 'bout YOU?;))
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