Airpower Summary for July 8

Photo By Jonathan Steffen | Ben Roserug and Jim Dooley unload an AGM-114 Hellfire missile from an MQ-1 Predator unmanned aerial vehicle after flying a mission at Balad Air Base, Iraq, May 17. The Predator provides armed reconnaissance, airborne surveillance and target acquisition for Iraq.  

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

07.08.2007

Courtesy Story

United States Air Forces Central       

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

In Afghanistan, U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs strafed enemy positions with cannon rounds in Qal' A Naw. Pilots relayed important information about suspicious activity as ground forces moved into a marketplace area. Additionally, A-10s monitored friendly forces movement in Gereshk.

Also in Gereshk, a U.S Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle provided a show of force to ensure insurgents were aware of air presence. The air crews monitored ground forces and searched compounds for suspicious activity as well.

A-10s provided a show of force with multiple flares to reassure coalition and civilian personnel of air power presence in Sangin.

Other A-10s made multiple strafing passes on enemy positions in Asmar. The joint terminal attack controller reported the cannon rounds hit the intended targets. The pilots also provided convoy escort in the area. Other A-10s looked for enemy activity in Garmsir.

An F-15E dropped a Guided Bomb Unit-38 on insurgents in an open field in Asadabad. The weapon impacted its intended target.

A French air force Mirage 2000 conducted shows of force with multiple flares over Kabul and Asmar. There were no reports of attacks after the shows of force.

In total, 33 close air support missions were flown in support of the international security assistance force and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.
Ten U.S. 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, U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons dropped GBU-38s on a truck to ensure it could not be used as an improvised explosive device in Baghdad.

Also in Baghdad, Royal air force Tornado GR-4s watched over a convoy taking small arms fire. F-16s provided shows of force to deter enemy activities in Baghdad. The shows of force were reported as successful. Other F-16s watched over coalition forces and looked for IEDs in the area. F-16s also monitored friendly forces in Balad and Baqubah.

A-10s conducted a show of force releasing multiple flares for a convoy taking fire in Tarmiyah. It was reported that the enemy contact broke after the show of force. The A-10s remained on the scene and provided overwatch for another convoy in the area.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 38 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.

Sixteen Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, five Air Force and Navy 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 140 airlift sorties were flown; more than 540 tons of cargo was delivered, and approximately 2,595 passengers were transported. This included approximately 28,000 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On July 7, U.S. Air Force, Royal air force and Republic of Singapore air force aerial refueling crews flew 50 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.9 million pounds of fuel to 242 receiving aircraft.

• Date Taken: 07.08.2007
• Date Posted: 07.10.2007 07:53
• Story ID: 11182
• Location: (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)