Airpower Summary for May 13

Courtesy Photo | A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer takes off on a mission from a base in Southwest Asia. B-1...... read more read more

Courtesy Photo | A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer takes off on a mission from a base in Southwest Asia. B-1 bombers supported both Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, May 13. The B-1 carries the largest payload of both guided and unguided weapons in the Air Force inventory.  see less | View Image Page

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

05.15.2007

Courtesy Story

United States Air Forces Central     

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U.S. Central Command Air Forces Public Affairs

SOUTHWEST ASIA — Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations, May 13, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials.

In Afghanistan, a U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped multiple Guided Bomb Unit-31s on insurgent compounds near Kajaki Sofia. The aircrews dropped Guided Bomb Unit-38s on enemy targets also. A Joint Terminal Attack Controller reported the drops a success. The B-1B also performed a show of presence on a coalition route in the area.

U.S. Navy F/A-18A Hornets dropped Guided Bomb Unit-12s and fired multiple 20mm cannon rounds on enemy vehicles and a sniper near Tarin Kowt. The hits were confirmed successful.

Near Now Zad, U.S. Navy F-18F Super Hornets dropped multiple GBU-12s on enemies in the area including a sniper and an insurgent cave. The JTAC confirmed the bombs hit their targets.

Also in Now Zad, F-18s dropped a GBU-12 on insurgents moving toward a disabled vehicle. The attack was confirmed successful by the JTAC. The pilots also searched the area for high value targets.

A U.S. Air Force MQ-1 Predator fired a Hellfire missile at enemy targets fleeing from the attack by the F-18 mentioned above. The attack was reported a success.

U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles hit an insurgent compound with a Guided Bomb Unit-38 and cannon rounds. A Joint Terminal Attack Controller reported the attacks successful. The pilots remained in the area to search for more enemy activity.

JTACs are highly trained U.S. Air Force and coalition personnel who advise ground commanders on appropriate air power support, relay the ground commander's intent to air power assets overhead and communicate with aircrews for precision engagement.

French Air Force Mirage 2000 fighters dropped GBU-12s and multiple flares supporting coalition forces confronting enemy targets near Orgun-E.

Also in Orgun-E, U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs strafed enemy positions with 30mm rounds helping coalition forces taking fire in the area.

Other A-10s provided a show of force supporting a convoy receiving mortar and small arms fire near Ali Kheyl. The show of force was reported successful and the enemy dissipated.

In total, 47 close air support missions were flown in support of the International Security Assistance Force and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Eleven U.S. Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, four U.S. Air Force and Royal Air Force aircraft provided tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, a Predator fired a Hellfire missile at insurgents placing an IED near Balad. The strike was confirmed successful by a JTAC.

Near Iskandariyah, A-10s executed a descending show of force dispensing multiple flares after a JTAC came under enemy fire. The JTAC reported the show of force successful.

Navy F-18s provided overwatch and a show of force for a convoy receiving small arms fire near Haqlaniyah.

Over Baghdad, U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons provided a show of force and presence to a vehicle moving in the area deemed restricted. The show of force was reported successful. The pilots also looked for improvised explosive devices.

Near Baqubah, F-16s provided armed overwatch for quick response forces receiving enemy fire during a raid on an enemy position. The pilots also performed a show of force for coalition forces in the area. The JTAC reported the show of force successful.

Also near Baqubah, F-16s, supporting the search for individuals listed as Missing in Action, reported possible IED emplacers to the JTAC in the area.

F-16s provided armed overwatch during a raid in which detainees were captured near Salmon Pak. They also provided overwatch for U.S. Army AH-64 Apaches strafing an insurgent location.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 53 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 U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq.

Additionally, three U.S. Air Force and Royal Air Force fighter aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

U.S. 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. Approximately 150 airlift sorties were flown; and more than 305 tons of cargo was delivered, and approximately 3,600 passengers were transported. This included more than 25,100 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

Coalition C-130 crews from Australia, Iraq and Japan flew in support of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.

On May 12, U.S. Air Force, Royal Air Force, French Air Force and Republic of Singapore Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 47 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.7 million pounds of fuel to 229 receiving aircraft.