It carries a host of satellite and laser-guided bombs and is able to remain over targets for long periods of time to assist in close-air support for troops on the ground.

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Pinned down by the onslaught, King said the troops called in "close air support" from a B-52 bomber on regular patrol over Afghanistan, which dropped seven large bombs, ending the confrontation.

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They asked the U.S.-led military coalition to dispatch close air support.

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Their wish-list includes surveillance and reconnaissance, close air support, air transport and medical evacuation.

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Donut's base is home to several dozen A-10 Warthogs, aircraft that give close air support to troops on the front lines.

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The F-35 can be used for other functions, such as close air support for ground troops.

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By nightfall, NATO jets were roaring over Sarajevo on surveillance and close air support missions, but the U.N. was receiving mixed messages -- a five page long letter from General Ratko Mladic that the U.N. said was unacceptable and a short terse note from Bosnian Serb political leaders saying they would comply.

CNN: Waiting for morning