Airpower Summary for May 19

Courtesy Photo | Maj. Dag Grantham, 332nd Expeditionary Fighter Squadron F-16 pilot, performs a pre-flight inspection on his aircraft prior to a mission here, April 9. Part of the pre-flight inspection includes checking all maintenance panels to make sure they are closed and fuel tank caps are secured. 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. Maj. Grantham is deployed from Luke Air Force Base, Ariz. (U.S. Air Force photo /Senior Airman Julianne Showalter)  

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

05.19.2008

Courtesy Story

United States Air Forces Central           

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

SOUTHWEST ASIA — Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations May 19, 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 Ghazni, Jalalabad, Kazhah, and Zormat. Joint Terminal Attack Controllers confirmed that the missions were successful.

In order to deter enemy activities French Mirage-2000s performed shows of force in Gereshk and Ghanzi. JTACs reported that the missions were successful.

An Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle performed a show of force in order to deter enemy activities in Bari Kowt. The JTAC declared that the mission was successful.

In total, 54 close-air support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Thirteen Air Force and Royal 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, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons dropped 500 pound bombs in order to destroy enemy combatants in Al Amarah. The JTAC confirmed that the missions were successful.

A British GR 4 Tornado performed a show of force in order to deter enemy activities in Al Qurnah. The JTAC reported that the mission was successful.

In Iskandariyah, an F-16 performed shows of force in order to deter enemy activities. The JTAC reported that the missions were successful.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 67 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-six 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-130s and C-17s provided intra-theater heavy airlift, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 139 airlift sorties were flown; 558 tons of cargo delivered, and 2,407 passengers were transported. This included approximately 40,200 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On May 18, U.S. Air Force and Royal Air Force aerial refueling crews flew sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.4 million pounds of fuel to 247 receiving aircraft.

• Date Taken: 05.19.2008
• Date Posted: 05.20.2008 10:38
• Story ID: 19612
• Location: (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)