Airpower Summary for June 22

Courtesy Photo | A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft moves out of position after receiving fuel from a KC-135R Stratotanker during a mission over Afghanistan.  

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

06.22.2008

Courtesy Story

United States Air Forces Central       

By U.S. Central Command Air Forces

SOUTHWEST ASIA - Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations, June 22, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer F-15E Strike Eagles and A-10 Thunderbolt IIs dropped Guided Bomb Unit-12s, 31s, 38s, and 500 lb bombs to destroy anti-Afghan forces in the vicinity of Bari Kowt. The Joint Terminal Attack Controller confirmed the mission successful.

To deter enemy activities, F-15Es performed shows of force in the vicinity of Bari Kowt, Sar Hawzeh, Shinkay, and Tarin Kowt. JTACs reported the missions successful.

In the vicinity of Sar Hawzeh, A-10s performed shows of force to deter enemy activities. The JTAC declared the mission successful.

In the vicinity of Sangin, an Air Force MQ-9A Reaper dropped GBU-12s to kill insurgents engaging Friendly Forces. The JTAC confirmed the mission successful.

In the vicinity of De Maymand, a B-1B dropped a GBU-31 and 38s to destroy enemy rocket positions. The JTAC reported the mission successful.

In total, 56 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, an Air Force F-16CG Fighting Falcon, a British GR-4 Tornado, and a Navy F/A-18C Hornet performed shows of force to deter enemy activities in Al Amarah. The JTAC declared the missions successful.

In the vicinity of Baqubah, an F-16CG dropped a GBU-12 to destroy a House Borne Improvised Explosive Device. The JTAC confirmed the mission successful.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 72 close air support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions integrated and synchronized with 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 144 airlift sorties were flown; 417 tons of cargo delivered, and 3,471 passengers were transported. This included approximately 69,500 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On, June 21, U.S. Air Force and Royal Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 67 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.7 million pounds of fuel to 294 receiving aircraft.

• Date Taken: 06.22.2008
• Date Posted: 06.23.2008 10:51
• Story ID: 20771
• Location: (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)