Airpower Summary for July 22

Photo By Master Sgt. Demetrius Lester | An A-10 Warthog from Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany taxis on the runway, April 18th. The runway has received many upgrades as well as a new Air Traffic Control Tower.  

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

07.22.2008

Courtesy Story

United States Air Forces Central           

By the U.S. Air Forces Central Command 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 22, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-38s onto enemy combatants and enemy firing positions near Shinkay. The joint terminal attack controller declared the mission successful.

Near Musa Qala, a Navy F/A-18C Hornet dropped a GBU-12 onto an enemy mortar team engaging Coalition Forces. Additionally, F/A-18Cs performed a show of force to deter enemy activities. The mission was confirmed successful by the JTAC.

A B-1B dropped a GBU-38 onto anti-Afghan forces emplacing an improvised explosive device near Khowst. The JTAC reported the mission successful.

Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles conducted shows of force near Bagram and in the vicinity of Ganj Abad and Orgun-E to deter enemy activities. The missions were declared successful by the JTACs.

Royal Air Force GR.7 Harriers performed shows of force to deter anti-Afghan activities in the vicinity of Gereshk. The JTAC confirmed the mission successful.

Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs conducted shows of force near Bari Kowt to deter enemy activities. The mission was reported successful by the JTAC.

Navy F/A-18F Super Hornets performed a show of force to deter anti-Afghan activities in the vicinity of Sangin. The mission was reported successful by the JTAC.

In total, 71 close air support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Thirteen Air Force, Navy and Royal Air Force surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, six Navy and 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-six Air Force and Navy 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-130s and C-17s provided intra-theater heavy airlift, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 143 airlift sorties were flown; 447 tons of cargo delivered, and 2,981 passengers were transported. This included approximately 54,700 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 21, U.S. Air Force, French, and Royal Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 61 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.1 million pounds of fuel to 285 receiving aircraft.

• Date Taken: 07.22.2008
• Date Posted: 07.23.2008 09:52
• Story ID: 21776
• Location: (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)