Airpower Summary for August 23

Photo By Airman 1st Class Matt Cook | An F-16 eases up to the boom of a KC-10 Extender assigned to the 908th Expeditionary...... read more read more

Photo By Airman 1st Class Matt Cook | An F-16 eases up to the boom of a KC-10 Extender assigned to the 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron during an Operation Iraqi Freedom mission, Thursday, July 26. During boom refueling operations, fuel is transferred to the receiver at a maximum rate of 1,100 gallons (4,180 liters) per minute; the hose and drogue refueling maximum rate is 470 gallons (1,786 liters) per minute.  see less | View Image Page

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

08.24.2007

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

In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs strafed enemies with cannon rounds near Sangin. The rounds successful impacted their targets. The pilots also provided a show of force over the area as well.

A French air force Mirage 2000 and a Mirage F1C conducted shows of force with flares over areas in Gereshk. The Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) confirmed the shows of force as successful.

A Royal Air Force Harrier GR-9 provided over watch for areas around Gereshk.

A B-1 provided shows of presence and air effects over coalition routes near Gereshk and Now Zad.

Also in Now Zad, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles conducted successful shows of force to stop enemy firing. One of the aircrews also dropped a Guided Bomb Unit-38 on a mortar position near Oruzgan. The weapon successful impacted the target.

An A-10 dropped a GBU-12 on enemies in Asadabad. The desired result was achieved. The pilots also successfully showed force with flares over Nangalam to stop a possible imminent attack.

A Navy EA-6B Prowler provided a successful show of force with flares over an area in Orgun-E.

A-10s conducted shows of force with flares over areas in Shkin and Jalalabad. The shows of force were to deter enemy attacks and reassure friendly forces.

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.

Ten 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, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons monitored the area after an explosively formed projectile struck a Humvee. The F-16s also watched over the medical evacuation that followed. Ground forces later destroyed the vehicle.

Other F-16s watched over an area after an improvised explosive device detonated near Balad. The pilots were looking for IEDs before the incident happened.

Navy F/A-18C Hornets conducted a show of force to stop mortar and small arms firing in Samarra. The firing ceased after the show of force.

Other Hornets provided over watch for monitored suspicious activity in Baghdad.

F-16s conducted successful shows of force with flares in Bayji over ground forces clearing a vehicle-borne IED detonation site when they came under small arms fire.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 69 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.

Fifteen Air Force and Navy Air Force ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, five Air Force and Navy 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. More than 160 airlift sorties were flown; 620 tons of cargo was delivered, and approximately 3,670 passengers were transported.

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

On Aug. 22, U.S. Air Force, Royal Air Force and French Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 54 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3 million pounds of fuel to 244 receiving aircraft.