Airpower Summary for April 16

Courtesy Photo | U.S. Navy Seabees load a support truck and supplies in to a C-17 Globemaster III to be transported, along with 20 Navy Seabees, to Nairobi, Kenya from Camp Lemonier, Djibouti. The Seabees are forward deploying to Kenya in support of a humanitarian well drilling mission enabling critical water supplies to regions in severe drought conditions. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Staff Sgt. Christina M. Styer)  

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

04.16.2008

Courtesy Story

United States Air Forces Central     

By U.S. Air Forces Central Public Affairs, Combined Air and Space Operations Center

SOUTHWEST ASIA - Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations, April 16, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials.

In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs performed shows of force in order to deter enemy activities in Ghanzi, Lwara, and Zormat. The Joint Terminal Attack Controller confirmed the success of the missions.

In order to deter enemy activities British GR.7 Harriers performed shows of force in Deh Chopan and Farah. The success of the missions was declared by the JTAC.

In Asadabad, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped Guided Bomb Unit-31s and 38s in order to destroy enemy combatants engaging Friendly Forces. The success of the mission was reported by the JTAC.

In Now Zad, F-15s dropped GBU-38s in order to destroy an enemy structure housing enemy combatants and a sniper engaging Friendly Forces. The success of the mission was confirmed by the JTAC.

In total, 46 close air support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Ten 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, an Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon performed shows of force in order to deter enemy activities in Basra. The JTAC declared that the mission was successful.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 44 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-two Air Force and Navy surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, two Royal Air Force aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

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

Approximately 140 airlift sorties were flown; 577 tons of cargo delivered, and 4,687 passengers were transported. This included approximately 53,200 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On, April 15, U.S. Air Force and Royal Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 44 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.7 million pounds of fuel to 244 receiving aircraft.

• Date Taken: 04.16.2008
• Date Posted: 04.23.2008 11:43
• Story ID: 18682
• Location: (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)