Airpower Summary for August 8

Photo By Cassandra Locke | A line of KC-135s and Airborne Warning Control System aircraft await their next missions. The KC-135 Stratotanker's principal mission is air refueling. This unique asset greatly enhances the Air Force's capability to accomplish its primary missions of global reach and global power. It also provides aerial refueling support to Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps aircraft as well as aircraft of allied nations. The KC-135 is also capable of transporting litter and ambulatory patients using patient support pallets during aeromedical evacuations. The E-3 Sentry is an airborne warning and control system (AWACS) aircraft provides all-weather surveillance, command, control and communications needed by commanders of U.S., NATO and other allied air defense forces. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Cassandra Locke)  

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

08.08.2007

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 August 8 according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II dropped a Guided Bomb Unit-12 on enemies in Bagram. The pilots also provided a show of force with flares over the area. The joint terminal attack controller confirmed the bomb drop and show of force as successful.

JTACs are highly trained U.S. Air Force and coalition personnel who advise ground commanders on appropriate air power support, relay the ground commander's intent to air power assets overhead and communicate with air crews for precision engagement.

Also in Bagram, a French Air Force Mirage 2000D dropped a GBU-12 on enemy personnel. The pilots also provided a show of force with flares over the area. The joint terminal attack controller confirmed the bomb drop and show of force as successful.

Another A-10 destroyed enemy bunkers with a GBU-12 in Garmsir. Insurgents were firing mortar rounds at ground forces from the bunkers.

Also in Garmsir, an Air Force B-1B Lancer destroyed a building with GBU-38s. The bomber also provided a show of force with flares over the area

An Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle provided a successful show of force to reassure ground forces of an air presence over Kandahar.

An A-10 dropped a general-purpose 500 pound bomb on enemies in Shkin.

An F-15E conducted a show of force with flares to protect friendly forces moving to a forward operating base in Musa Qala. There were no reports of attacks after the Strike Eagle passed over.

A Royal Air Force Harrier GR-7A provided a show of force to deter a suspected enemy mortar attack in Gereshk. The JTAC reported the show of force as successful.

Other GR-7s conducted successful shows of force over enemy positions in Uruzgan.

An A-10 showed force with flares over Bermel to stop an enemy reattack on coalition forces in the area.

In total, 40 close air support missions were flown in support of the International Security Assistance Force and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Twelve 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, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons conducted a strafing pass with cannon rounds on an insurgent in Al Hillah. The pilots were providing overwatch for a building raid when the individual was seen fleeing the scene. The F-16s followed before firing on the insurgent in a field. The individual stopped running and a ground team moved in and apprehended the target.

A-10s hit insurgents hiding in a palm grove with GBU-12s near Baqubah.

Other F-16s destroyed a underground tunnel and weapons cache with GBU-38s in Baqubah. The tunnel was being used to by insurgents to move weapons in and out of the area.

F-16s and A-10s continued to patrol the air above Baqubah throughout the day.

An F-16 conducted a show of force over a building in Khan Bani Sad. Other F-16s watched over friendly forces registering Iraqi civilians for a neighborhood watch program in Tikrit. The F-16s also provided convoy escort in Tikrit.

F-16s also watched over a raid in Baghdad. The pilots also monitored an improvised explosive device clearance team who were engaged with an IED triggerman in the area. A-10s also patrolled the skies over Baghdad as well.

A Royal Air Force Tornado GR-4 provided a show of force for a supply convoy struck by an IED in Basrah. The aircraft remained on scene until the convoy rolled out.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 49 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, Navy, Royal Air Force and Royal Australian Air Force ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, four 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 149 airlift sorties were flown; 449 tons of cargo was delivered, and approximately 3,917 passengers were transported. This included approximately 24,000 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On August 7, U.S. Air Force, French Air Force and Royal Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 51 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.3 million pounds of fuel to 218 receiving aircraft.

• Date Taken: 08.08.2007
• Date Posted: 08.09.2007 12:28
• Story ID: 11716
• Location: (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)