Airpower Summary for July 5

Courtesy Photo | A Royal air force Tornado GR-4 flies alongside a U.S. Air Force KC-135R Stratotanker after an aerial refueling in Southwest Asia. GR-4s fly sorties for both Operation Enduring and Iraqi Freedom, while coalition Stratotankers refuel more than 200 aircraft on a daily basis throughout the area of responsibility.  

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

07.05.2007

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 5, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials.

In Afghanistan, a French air force Mirage 2000 dropped Guided Bomb Unit-12s on enemy personnel hiding in a valley in Asadabad. The weapons impacted their targets.

A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped GBU-38s and GBU-31s on enemy targets also in Asadabad. The drops achieved the desired effects.

U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs hit enemies with GBU-12s in Asadabad. The weapons hit their intended targets. The pilots also conducted shows of force with multiple flares to keep enemies from attacking ground forces in the area.

Other A-10s provided shows of force with multiple flares for a convoy passing an improvised explosive device detonation site in Jalalabad. The shows of force were to deter any attacks in that area and establish an air presence. The shows of force were reported as successful. They also provided escort for the convoy.

U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped GBU-39s, GBU-38s and GBU-12s on enemy positions along a ridgeline and a compound in Tarin Kowt. The aircrews also strafed enemies in a tree line with cannon rounds.

F-15Es hit an enemy mortar position with Guided Bomb Unit-38s near Kajaki Dam. The JTAC reported the weapons hit their intended target. The pilots also conducted a show of force to try and flush out any insurgents still in the area.

In total, 42 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, a B-1 dropped multiple GBU-38s and GBU-31s on enemy targets in Baghdad. The preplanned attack resulted in good effects.

U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcons provided a show of force for ground forces taking small arms fire in Baghdad. There were no reports of firing in the area after the show of force. Other F-16s monitored unusual activity in the area as well.

An A-10 dropped a GBU-12 on IED emplacers and a possible weapons cache in Tarmiyah. The weapons cache was destroyed.

F-16s provided overwatch for vehicles destroyed by an IED in Salman Pak. The pilots also watched over the medical evacuation and quick response unit that arrived to help in the aftermath of the explosion.

Another F-16 dropped a GBU-38 on a deeply buried IED in Salman Pak.

U.S. Navy F/A-18C Hornets provided overwatch in Baqubah and Iskandariyah.

Another F-18 performed a successful show of force with multiple flares for ground forces in Baghdad.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 70 close air support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions supported coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided overwatch 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 165 airlift sorties were flown and approximately 6,925 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On July 4, U.S. Air Force, Royal Air Force and Republic of Singapore air force aerial refueling crews flew 52 sorties and off-loaded approximately three million pounds of fuel to 247 receiving aircraft.

Currently at the Combined Air and Space Operations Center, personnel and cargo amounts related to coalition airlift cannot be reported accurately in the daily Air Power Summary. Once this problem is resolved, the numbers will again be reported.

• Date Taken: 07.05.2007
• Date Posted: 07.06.2007 11:28
• Story ID: 11151
• Location: (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)