Airpower Summary for July 23

Courtesy Photo | U.S. Air Force crew chiefs marshal F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft to their parking spaces...... read more read more

Courtesy Photo | U.S. Air Force crew chiefs marshal F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft to their parking spaces at Royal Air Force Station Lakenheath, England, July 28. The 492nd Fighter Squadron jets are returning home from a two-week deployment to Graf-Isnatievo Air Base, Bulgaria, where they took part in exercise Immediate Response, a joint, trilateral exercise between the U.S., Bulgarian and Romanian militaries. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Lance Cheung)  see less | View Image Page

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

07.25.2007

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 July 23, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle dropped a Guided Bomb Unit-38 on enemies in Uruzgan. The weapon hit its intended target. An Air Force MQ-1B Predator indicated the strike was successful.

An Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II provided a show of force with flares to deter enemy attacks in Bermel. The show of force was reported as successful.

Other A-10s destroyed compounds in Now Zad with GBU-12s. The pilots also conducted a show of force over the area.

A Royal Air Force Harrier GR-9A also provided a show of force for the ground forces in the Now Zad battle.

A French Air Force Mirage 2000 and Mirage F-1 provided shows of force with multiple flares for a convoy moving to a FOB in Qalat. An F-15E also provided over watch for the convoy.

An A-10 provided a show of force over an area in Orgun-E and searched for improvised explosive devices after an explosion in the area.

Another A-10 conducted a show of force for ground units in Nangalam who were surrounded by a large number of Taliban militia. The successful show of force was to demonstrate an air presence and reassure the ground forces.

An F-15E hit an insurgent compound and mortar position with GBU-38s and GBU-31s in Sangin. The joint terminal attack controller reported the drops as successful.

In Gereshk, an A-10 fired cannon rounds at an enemy compound. Many insurgents fled the compound after the attack. The pilot then provided a show of force to deter any more attacks.

In total, 45 close air support missions were flown in support of the International Security Assistance Force and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Twelve Air Force and Royal Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, two Royal Air Force aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, an MQ-1 launched a hellfire missile at insurgents firing on coalition forces from a rooftop in Baghdad. The missile hit its intended target.

Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons provided shows of force and overwatch in areas around Baghdad. The pilots also watched over an area after an IED explosion.

Another F-16 provided a show of force over an Iraqi army checkpoint in Baghdad that had been overrun by insurgents during a firefight. Later the checkpoint was retaken by coalition forces. The show of force was deemed successful.

Royal Air Force Tornado GR-4s conducted successful shows of force with multiple flares over areas in Baghdad. The pilots also dropped Enhanced Paveway II munitions on artillery left behind by insurgents in Basrah. The rockets were destroyed by the drop.

F-16s showed force with flares against a sniper near Balad. The pilots also provided overwatch for a quick response force raiding an insurgent safe house.

An Air Force B-1B Lancer showed force over a known ambush position in Al Kut before coalition forces moved in.

Other GR-4s conducted shows of force over a building in Basrah. The shows of force were reported as successful. They also provided overwatch for a convoy struck by an improvised explosive device.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 49 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, Navy Royal Air Force and Royal Australian Air Force ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, two Royal Air Force 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 154 airlift sorties were flown; 600 tons of cargo was delivered, and approximately 2,314 passengers were transported.

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

On July 22, U.S. Air Force, Royal Air Force and French Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 47 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.5 million pounds of fuel to 223 receiving aircraft.