Airpower Summary for May 12

Photo By Staff Sgt. Patrick Dixon | U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules wait for an airlift mission, April 17 at an air base in the Persian Gulf Region. These C-130 Hercules transport coalition forces and equipment throughout the area of responsibility in support of Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Patrick Dixon)  

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

05.12.2008

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, May 12, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials.

In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs fired cannon rounds and dropped a general purpose 500 pound bomb onto enemy combatants in the vicinity of Garmsir. Furthermore, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped Guided Bomb Unit-38s onto enemy combatants in the same area. The Joint Terminal Attack Controller declared the missions successful.

In Lwara, A-10s dropped a general purpose 500 pound bomb, a GBU-12, and fired cannon rounds onto enemy positions. The mission was reported as a success by the JTAC.

An Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped a GBU-38 and GBU-31s onto enemy fighting positions in Asadabad. The JTAC confirmed the mission as a success.

In Kabul, Gardez, and Lwara, F-15Es conducted shows of force in order to deter enemy activities in the areas. The missions were declared successful by the JTAC.

In Now Zad, a French Air Force Mirage-2000 performed shows of force in order to deter enemy activities in the area. The JTAC reported the missions a successful.

In total, 53 close air support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Twelve Air Force and Royal Air Force surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan.

In Iraq, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons dropped GBU-38s onto improvised explosive devices located in a palm grove in Baghdad. Also in Baghdad, an Air Force MQ-9A Reaper fired a hellfire missile onto enemy munitions. The missions were confirmed as successful by the JTAC.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 74 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, Navy, and Royal Australian Air Force 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-130s and C-17s provided intra-theater heavy airlift, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 158 airlift sorties were flown; 484 tons of cargo delivered, and 4,099 passengers were transported. This included approximately 45,600 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, May 11, U.S. Air Force, French, Royal Air Force, and Singaporean aerial refueling crews flew 53 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.0 million pounds of fuel to 240 receiving aircraft.

• Date Taken: 05.12.2008
• Date Posted: 05.13.2008 12:25
• Story ID: 19365
• Location: (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)