Airpower Summary for September 11

Courtesy Photo | U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Sean Raquepo moves the propeller of a C-130H Hercules...... read more read more

Courtesy Photo | U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Sean Raquepo moves the propeller of a C-130H Hercules aircraft to check the intake and unlock the engine brake for startup before a flight from Ali Air Base, Iraq, on July 14. Raquepo is attached to the 192nd Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron.  see less | View Image Page

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

09.12.2007

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 Sept. 11, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

Royal Air Force Harrier GR-9As attacked enemies on a hillside in Qalat with rockets and a general purpose 540 pound bomb. The Joint Terminal Attack Controller confirmed the weapons were a direct hit and the desired affect was achieved.

An Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle provided a show of force with flares in Sangin to deter enemy activity. The JTAC confirmed the show of force was successful.

In Bagram another GR-9A provided a show of force with flares to stop an enemy small arms and rocket propelled grenade fire on a coalition convoy. The JTAC confirmed the show of force was successful.

Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs employed 30 mm cannon rounds against multiple enemy fighting positions in Asadabad. The JTAC confirmed the rounds hit the intended targets. One pilot provided a show of force with flares to deter further enemy activity. The JTAC confirmed the show of force was successful.

While defending coalition forces under enemy fire near Orgun-E and Now Zad an Air Force B-1B Lancer destroyed an enemy mortar position, a compound and caves with Guided Bomb Units-31s. The aircrew also successfully targeted another enemy position with a GBU-38. The JTAC confirmed the hits.

F-15Es attacked enemies engaging coalition forces near Deh Rawod with GBU-12s, a GBU-38 and cannon fire. The JTAC confirmed the attacks hit their target. The aircrews also provided a show of force expelling flares over the area as well.
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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 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, A-10s fired cannon rounds on insurgents trying to escape from a search being conducted by Iraqi police and U.S. forces in Balad.

A B-1B destroyed an enemy weapons cache and a road being traveled by the insurgents in Baghdad with GBU-31s and GBU-38s. The aircrew also dropped GBU-31s and 38s on a building being used by the enemy.

Continuing the engagement, A-10s also hit the building with GBU-38s. The building was destroyed by the strikes.

F-16s attacked a mortar position in Baghdad with GBU-12s.

Also in Baghdad, RAF Tornado GR-4s successfully attacked an enemy vehicle suspected of carrying mortars and other weapons with Enhanced Paveway II munitions. The aircrew also provided surveillance of a suspicious vehicle in the area.

Navy F/A-18C Hornets attacked a mortar position with GBU-12s in Baghdad. The pilots also conducted shows of force to provoke an enemy response. The attack and the shows of force were determined successful. The pilots also watched over a raid and looked for improvised explosive device emplacers.

In Yusufiyah, A-10s provided armed over watch while ground forces conducted a search for an enemy sniper.

F-16s in Salman Pak destroyed an enemy truck with a GBU-12 in an area historically used as a weapons cache. Additionally, they employed 20 mm rounds against enemies running from the area with cannon fire. The JTAC confirmed the hits.

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.

Twenty Air Force, Navy and Royal Air Force ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, six Navy and 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 160 airlift sorties were flown; 430 tons of cargo was delivered, and approximately 4,775 passengers were transported. This included approximately 50,380 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 Sept. 10, U.S. Air Force, French air force and Royal Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 58 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3 million pounds of fuel to 270 receiving aircraft.