Airpower Summary for April 23

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

04.25.2008

Courtesy Story

United States Air Forces Central     

By 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 on April 23, according to combined air and space operations center officials.

In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles performed shows of force in order to deter enemy activities in Asadabad and Bari Kowt. The Joint Terminal Attack Controller confirmed that the missions were successful.

In order to deter enemy activities French Mirage-2000s performed shows of force in Now Zad and Orgune. The JTAC reported that the missions were successful.

An Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped a guided bomb unit-31 and 38s in order to destroy an enemy compound and enemy combatants in Kajaki Dam. The JTAC declared that the missions were successful.

In Shinkay, a British GR.7 Harrier performed a show of force in order to deter enemy activities. The JTAC reported the success of the mission.

In total, 39 close air support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

In Iraq, F-16 Fighting Falcons dropped GBU-38s in order to destroy House-Bourne Improvised Explosive Devices in Baghdad. The JTAC reported that the missions were successful.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 60 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-five 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 149 airlift sorties were flown; 521 tons of cargo delivered, and 3,588 passengers were transported. This included approximately 16,228 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On April 22, U.S. Air Force and Royal air force aerial refueling crews flew 51 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.2 million pounds of fuel to 268 receiving aircraft.

• Date Taken: 04.25.2008
• Date Posted: 04.25.2008 00:57
• Story ID: 18761
• Location: (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)