Airpower Summary for July 15

Photo By Staff Sgt. Raymond Mills | Airmen from the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing's Contingency Aeromedical Staging Facility meet a C-17, July 1, and prepare to transport patients to the CASF where they will provide care to stabilize sick and wounded patients until their next flight out for definitive care. Cargo aircraft play an integral role in aeromedical evacuation missions, transporting U.S. military and coalition forces, wounded while supporting Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, en-route from forward positions to medical centers in Europe and the continental U.S. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt Raymond Mills)  

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

07.15.2007

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

In Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II conducted a show of force with multiple flares over Oruzgan to reassure locals there was a coalition presence in the area. The pilots also monitored suspicious activity around a compound.

Royal Air Force Harrier GR-7s searched compounds and monitored suspicious vehicles in Now Zad.

A-10s provided a successful show of force releasing flares to prevent enemy attacks on a convoy near Bagram.

U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles monitored people moving near a treeline and watched a building formerly used as a Taliban headquarters in Garmsir.

An Air Force B-1B Lancer performed a show of force with flares over a district center in Ghazni. The show of force was requested because rocket fire was spotted in the area. The bomber also conducted many shows of presence along coalition routes.

In Bala Morghab, F-15Es provided a successful show of force to reassure friendly forces moving in the area.

In total, 43 close air support missions were flown in support of the international security assistance force and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Twelve U.S. Air Force and Royal Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan.

In Iraq, a B-1B Lancer dropped GBU-38s and GBU-31s on bridges around Iskandariyah. The weapons destroyed the bridges. The aircrew also provided a show of presence with flares to ward off any attacks in the area.

A-10s provided cover for a helicopter medical evacuation and over watch for a convoy in Al Muqdadiyah.

Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons watched over friendly forces and monitored a suspected vehicle-borne improvised explosive device factory in Baqubah.

Another F-16 dropped GBU-38s and GBU-12s on enemies along a shoreline in Baqubah. The pilots also disabled a boat carrying a weapons cache with cannon rounds. The strikes resulted in the destruction of two mortar systems.

A Royal Air Force Tornado GR-4 provided a show of force as a warning to enemy personnel in the area around Baqubah. The show of force was reported as successful by the joint terminal attack controller.

Also in Baqubah, an A-10 conducted a show of force expelling multiple flares to stop enemy fire in the area. The small arms fire ceased after the show of force.

A Navy F/A-18A Hornet showed force with multiple flares over a firefight between ground forces and insurgents in Yusufiyah.

Another F-18 provided a show of force over an area known to contain IEDS in Al Kut before coalition convoy transitioned through.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 73 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, Navy and Royal Air Force ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, three Air Force 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 150 airlift sorties were flown; more than 860 tons of cargo was delivered, and approximately 2,125 passengers were transported. This included approximately 11,200 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On July 14, U.S. Air Force, Royal Air Force and French Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 48 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.7 million pounds of fuel to 215 receiving aircraft.

• Date Taken: 07.15.2007
• Date Posted: 07.16.2007 12:23
• Story ID: 11290
• Location: (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)