Airpower Summary for July 3

Courtesy Photo | Maj. Lichen Pursley, the 62nd Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron commander, performs a pre-flight inspection on an MQ-1 Predator at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, before a combat mission. The unit's primary role is to launch and recover Predators supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.  

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

07.03.2008

Courtesy Story

United States Air Forces Central     

By the U.S. Air Forces Central Public Affairs Office

SOUTHWEST ASIA — Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations July 3, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force MQ-1B Predator fired a hellfire missile onto an enemy combatant in Shindad. Furthermore, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped a Guided Bomb Unit-31 and GBU-38s onto enemy combatants in the area. The missions were declared successful by the Joint Terminal Attack Controller.

An Air Force MQ-9A Reaper dropped a GBU-12 onto a building containing enemy combatants in the vicinity of Now Zad. The JTAC reported the mission as a success.

In the vicinity of Bahramchan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped GBU-31s and GBU-38s onto Anti-Afghan Forces. The mission was confirmed as a success by the JTAC.

Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs fired cannon rounds, dropped a general purpose 500 pound bomb, and dropped GBU-12s onto anti-Afghan forces in the vicinity of Nagalam. Furthermore, an A-10 conducted a show of force in the area in order to deter activities by Anti-Afghan Forces. The JTAC declared the mission a success.

In the vicinity of Nagalam, a B-1B dropped GBU-31s and GBU-38s onto enemy combatant fighting positions. Furthermore, an F-15E performed a show of force in the area in order to deter enemy activities against coalition forces. The missions were reported as successful by the JTAC.
In Orgun E, F-15Es dropped GBU-31s and GBU-38s onto an anti-Afghan forces rocket team. The JTAC confirmed the mission as a success.

In the vicinity of Bermel, an A-10 fired cannon rounds onto anti-Afghan forces. Furthermore, an F-15E dropped a GBU-12 onto Anti-Afghan Forces in the area. The missions were declared successful by the JTAC.

An A-10 fired cannon rounds onto an enemy combatant in Kabul. The JTAC reported the mission as a success.

Shows of force were conducted by an A-10 in the vicinity of Orgun E in order to deter activities by Taliban forces in the area. The mission was confirmed as a success by the JTAC.

In total, 52 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.

In Iraq, coalition aircraft flew 54 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, six Air Force 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; 568 tons of cargo delivered, and 3,931 passengers were transported. This included approximately 120,440 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On July 2, U.S. Air Force, French, and Royal Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 56 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.9 million pounds of fuel to 214 receiving aircraft.

• Date Taken: 07.03.2008
• Date Posted: 07.04.2008 12:45
• Story ID: 21191
• Location: (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)