Airpower Summary for August 9

Photo By 1st Lt. Shannon Collins | An F-16CJ from the 13th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron follows an F-16CJ from its...... read more read more

Photo By 1st Lt. Shannon Collins | An F-16CJ from the 13th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron follows an F-16CJ from its sister squadron, the 14th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, toward the flight line for a combat mission May 30. More than 260 Airmen from the 13th EFS and 35th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron from Misawa Air Base, Japan, took over the Block 50 close air support mission from their sister squadron, the 14th EFS.  see less | View Image Page

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

08.10.2007

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 Aug. 9 according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer provided shows of force with flares for ground forces in Gereshk and Tarin Kowt. Both flybys had good effects.

Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs fired cannon rounds at an enemy firing position in Now Zad. Earlier, the pilots provided a show of force over the area as well.

Also in Now Zad, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped Guided Bomb Unit-38s on a compound and a tree line. The joint terminal attack controller (JTAC) confirmed the bomb drops as successful.

The 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.

A-10s strafed enemies in a trench with cannon rounds near Garmsir. The JTAC reported the rounds hit their intended targets.

An F-15E also strafed an enemy position with cannon rounds in Sangin. The attack had good effects.

In total, 34 close air support missions were flown in support of the International Security Assistance Force and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

In Iraq, a B-1 struck improvised explosive device locations with GBU-38s and GBU-31s near Salman Pak. The drops were reported as good hits by the JTAC. The aircrew also provided shows of presence in the area.

Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons destroyed a buried weapons cache in Al Iskandariyah. The pilots also watched over a raid and a medical evacuation in the area.

Another F-16 provided a successful show of force with flares against enemies firing at Iraqi police in Tikrit.

F-16s also watched over friendly forces in Al Mahmudiyah.

F-16s dropped a GBU-12 and fired cannon rounds at a group of insurgents who ambushed ground forces in Baqubah. The attacks resulted in good effects. The pilots also provided a show of force to protect a group of civilians making a pilgrimage to an area mosque.

Also in Baqubah, F-16s dropped GBU-12s on enemies hiding in a ditch. The insurgents had attacked friendly forces earlier and then fled to the ditch. The pilots also fired cannon rounds at those who fled the bomb attack. The engagements yielded positive results.

An A-10 provided a show of force with multiple flares during a convoy escort in Al Kut. The convoy did not encounter any problems after the A-10's show of force.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 55 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.

Seventeen Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, four 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 138 airlift sorties were flown; 435 tons of cargo was delivered, and approximately 3,213 passengers were transported. This included approximately 16,800 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Aug. 8, U.S. Air Force, French air force and Royal Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 50 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.5 million pounds of fuel to 214 receiving aircraft.