Airpower Summary for September 19

Photo By Tech. Sgt. Michael Holzworth | Air Force airmen of the 332nd Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron conduct a phase post engine run operational check on a F-16 Fighting Falcon at Balad Air Base, Iraq, on March 22. Air Force maintenance personnel ensure that all ground and functional checks are accomplished after every 400 flying hours to make sure every aircraft is mission ready.  

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

09.20.2007

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 Sept. 19, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles engaged enemies with Guided Bomb Unit-38s near Gereshk. Continuing the engagement, a pilot struck an enemy compound with a GBU-12. The JTAC confirmed the munitions hit their targets and the desired results were achieved.

Near Deh Rawod F-15Es dropped GBU-31s and GBU-12s on enemy firing positions in a tree line. One of the pilots continued the engagement striking an enemy compound with a GBU-12. The JTAC confirmed the bombs hit their target and the desired affect was achieved.

One of the F-15s also performed a show of force to deter enemies from attacking coalition forces. The show of force was deemed successful by the JTAC.

Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs in Deh Rawod struck an enemy compound with GBU-12s. The JTAC reported the compound was destroyed.

In Gereshk, A-10s dropped GBU-12s on an enemy compound and enemies in the surrounding field. The pilots also strafed enemies firing on Coalition forces from a tree line. The JTAC confirmed the weapons hit their targets and the desired result was achieved.

The pilots then strafed another compound with cannon fire to cease enemy ground fire on coalition forces. The JTAC confirmed the strike was successful.

Another A-10 performed a show of force in Gereshk to deter enemies from attacking coalition forces as they moved into a known enemy stronghold.

The show of force was reported as successful by the JTAC.

Royal Air Force Harrier GR9A and GR-7As attacked an enemy compound with general purpose 540 pound bombs. The JTAC reported the compound was destroyed.

The Harriers continued the engagement firing rockets and dropping Enhanced Paveway II munitions against enemies firing on Coalition forces from another compound. The JTAC confirmed the munitions hit their targets and enemy fire ceased.

An A-10 provided show of force in Ghazni to deter an enemy attack. The JTAC confirmed the show of force was successful.

An Air Force MQ-1B Predator struck enemies near Gereshk with a hellfire missile. The strike was assessed as successful. The Predator remained on station to observe further enemy activity.

In total, 38 close air support missions were flown in support of the International Security Assistance Force and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Nine Air Force and Royal Air Force Surveillance and Reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, two Royal Air Force aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, an Air Force B-1B Lancer used GBU-38s to destroy a road near Baghdad being used by the enemy. The JTAC confirmed the target was destroyed.

The aircrew then used GBU-38s and a GBU-31 to strike an enemy position in Samarra. The JTAC reported the munitions destroyed the target.

In Baqubah, A-10s dropped GBU-38s against an explosive laden house. The JTAC confirmed the target was destroyed.

An A-10 near Kirkuk conducted a show of force with flares to expose enemy forces.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 47 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, Navy and Royal Australian Air Force ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, four 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.

Approximately 170 airlift sorties were flown; 440 tons of cargo was delivered, and the most passengers, over 5,600, in one day were transported. This included approximately 35,800 pounds of re-supply air-dropped into Afghanistan.

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

On Sept. 18, U.S. Air Force, French and Royal Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 56 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.5 million pounds of fuel to 275 receiving aircraft.

• Date Taken: 09.20.2007
• Date Posted: 09.20.2007 14:28
• Story ID: 12471
• Location: (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)