Airpower Summary for July 4

Courtesy Photo | Servicemembers en route to Iraq prepare to board a C-130 Hercules on Nov. 30 at an air base in Southwest Asia. The C-130 is capable of operating from rough, dirt strips and is the prime transport for air dropping troops and equipment into hostile areas.  

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

07.05.2008

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 July 4, according to combined air and space operations center officials.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force MQ-9A Reaper dropped guided bomb unit-12s to destroy enemy insurgents in the vicinity of Molla Ashraf. The Joint Terminal Attack Controller confirmed the mission successful.

An Air Force B-1B Lancer and an A-10 Thunderbolt II dropped a GBU-12 and 38s to destroy anti-coalition members in the vicinity of Musa Qaleh. JTACs reported the missions successful.

In the vicinity of Nangalam, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped GBU-12s to destroy anti-Afghan forces. The JTAC declared the mission successful.

In the vicinity of Ghazni, a B-1B dropped GBU-38s to destroy anti-coalition members on a building. The JTAC confirmed the mission successful.

To deter enemy activities, A-10s performed shows of force in the vicinity of Gardez and Ghazni. JTACs declared the missions successful.

In the vicinity of Qalat, a B-1B performed a show of force to deter enemy activities. The JTAC reported the mission successful.

A show of force was performed by an F-15E to deter enemy activities in the vicinity of Bagram. The JTAC confirmed the mission successful.

A British GR.7 Harrier performed a show of force to deter enemy activities in the vicinity of Delaram. The JTAC declared the mission 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. Additionally, two Royal Air Force aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, coalition aircraft flew 52 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-three Air Force, Navy, and Royal Australian Air Force surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, four Air Force 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 143 airlift sorties were flown; 633 tons of cargo delivered, and 4,149 passengers were transported. This included approximately 151,300 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On July 3, U.S. Air Force and Royal Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 59 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.1 million pounds of fuel to 255 receiving aircraft.

• Date Taken: 07.05.2008
• Date Posted: 07.05.2008 14:40
• Story ID: 21210
• Location: (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)