Airpower Summary for April 10

Courtesy Photo | Maj. Dag Grantham, 332nd Expeditionary Fighter Squadron F-16 pilot, prepares his equipment for a mission on April 9. The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a compact, multi-role fighter aircraft, which is highly maneuverable and has proven itself in air-to-air combat and air-to-surface attack. Major Grantham is deployed from Luke Air Force Base, Ariz. (U.S. Air Force photo /Senior Airman Julianne Showalter)  

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

04.16.2008

Courtesy Story

United States Air Forces Central           

By U.S. Air Forces Central Command

SOUTHWEST ASIA — Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations April 10, according to combined air and space operations center officials.

In Afghanistan, a Royal air force GR.9 Harrier dropped an enhanced paveway II munition onto an enemy position in Zaranj. The mission was declared successful by the Joint Terminal Attack Controller.

In Qalat, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II fired cannon rounds onto an enemy combatant on a motorcycle successfully destroying the target. Furthermore, an A-10 conducted a show of force to deter enemy activities in the area. The JTAC confirmed the missions as a success.

In total, 41 close air support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Seven Air Force surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, two Royal air force aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, a Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet performed a show of force in order to deter enemy activities against coalition forces in the vicinity of Basrah. The mission was reported as a success by the JTAC.

An Air Force MQ-1B Predator fired a hellfire missile onto enemy combatants in the vicinity of Baghdad. The JTAC declared the mission a success.

In Basrah, an MQ-1B fired hellfire missiles onto an enemy mortar team. The mission was confirmed as successful by the JTAC.

Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons conducted shows of force in Basrah and Baqubah in order to deter enemy activities in the areas. The JTAC reported the missions as a success.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 72 close air support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions integrated and synchronized coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided over watch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Twenty-four Air Force and Navy surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, eight Air Force, Navy, and Royal air force aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intra-theater heavy airlift, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 164 airlift sorties were flown; 702 tons of cargo delivered, and 3,762 passengers were transported. This included approximately 19,800 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

Coalition C-130 crews from Australia and Japan flew as part of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.

On April 9, U.S. Air Force and Royal air force aerial refueling crews flew 46 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.0 million pounds of fuel to 253 receiving aircraft.

• Date Taken: 04.16.2008
• Date Posted: 04.16.2008 19:02
• Story ID: 18492
• Location: (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)