Airpower Summary for March 19

Courtesy Photo | Col. Tony Johnson, an A-10 pilot from the 442nd Fighter Wing, takes off in an A-10 Thunderbolt II from Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, June 2006. Johnson is deployed here from Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., where he commands the 442nd Operations Group. Airmen from the 442nd make up half of the A-10 effort here - the lead unit is from the active duty's 52nd Fighter Wing at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. (U.S. Air Force photo by Maj. David Kurle)  

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

03.20.2007

Courtesy Story

United States Air Forces Central     

U.S. Central Command Air Forces Public Affairs

SOUTHWEST ASIA — In Afghanistan, a U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped Guided Bomb Unit-12s and GBU-38s on enemy-occupied buildings near Kajaki Dam. The strike came after coalition forces came under fire from enemies in the buildings. A Joint Terminal Attack Controller confirmed all the weapons hit the intended targets and enemy fire ceased after engagement.

Another B-1B dropped GBU-31s and GBU-38s on enemy buildings near Sangin. The B-1B also dropped a GBU-38 on a tree line where coalition forces were receiving fire nearby. A JTAC confirmed the B-1B`s weapons were all direct hits.

U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornets provided a show of force, releasing multiple flares, as requested from a JTAC near Sangin. The JTAC confirmed good effects.

F/A-18s conducted aerial reconnaissance for a suspected mortar position near Now Zad. The F/A-18 pilots reported spotting multiple individuals on a ridge.

One of two F/A-18s dropped a GBU-38 on enemies near Sangin. A JTAC confirmed the weapon hit the desired target. The F/A-18s also provided reconnaissance of compounds in the same area. Other F/A-18s looked for mortar firing points of origin and individuals in a compound also near Sangin.

Royal Air Force GR-7 Harriers dropped Enhanced Paveway II munitions on an enemy building after a JTAC reported receiving heavy enemy fire from the building. The JTAC confirmed direct hits on the building.

In total, 45 close air support missions were flown in support of the International Security Assistance Force and Afghan troops, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Ten U.S. Air Force and Royal Air Force Surveillance and Reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan. U.S. Navy fighter aircraft performed in non-traditional ISR roles with their electro-optical and infrared sensors.

In Iraq, U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided reconnaissance to identify enemy locations and movement near Baghdad. The A-10s also conducted a counter improvised explosive device mission in the same area.

U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons provided three shows of force to deter enemy attackers after a vehicle IED detonated and coalition forces were being fired upon near Bayji. The F-16s also conducted a counter-IED mission in the same area.

Other F-16s provided over watch for coalition forces as they left a raid near Al Yusurifiya. The F-16s also searched for possible enemy attack positions in the same area.

Near Hawija, F-16s dropped a GBU-12 on IED placers attempting to hide next to a small footbridge across a canal. A JTAC confirmed the weapon hit the target.

Near, Baqubah, F-16s provided reconnaissance to look for IEDs along a road. The F-16s located and reported a possibly illegal checkpoint.

At the request of a JTAC, the F-16s also watched over a coalition forces convoy receiving enemy fire after being struck by an IED. The F-16s searched along the road near the convoy for a possible triggerman and for anti Iraqi forces. The F-16s then provided over watch of a house being raided by coalition forces. The F-16s continued to watch the house and the surrounding areas as the raid commenced.

F/A-18s were assigned to over watch an enemy compound near Baghdad while coalition forces conducted a raid. The F/A-18s provided continuous coverage of the enemy compound until a JTAC reported small arms fire north of the compound and requested a show of force. The F/A-18s provided a show of force and a JTAC confirmed the show of force was successful.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 67 close air support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions provided support to coalition troops, infrastructure protection, reconstruction activities and operations to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Additionally, 15 U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy and Royal Air Force ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. U.S. Air Force and Navy fighter aircraft performed in non-traditional ISR roles with their electro-optical and infrared sensors.

U.S. Air Force C-130s and C-17s provided intra-theater heavy airlift support, helping sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa. More than 140 airlift sorties were flown; over 300 tons of cargo was delivered, and approximately 2,485 passengers were transported.

Coalition C-130 crews from Canada, Iraq and Japan flew in support of OIF or OEF.

On March 18, U.S. Air Force, Royal Air Force and French Air Force crews flew 41 sorties and off-loaded more than 2.6 million pounds of fuel which is the equivalent of more than 65 full Air Force Logistics Readiness fuel trucks.

• Date Taken: 03.20.2007
• Date Posted: 03.20.2007 16:55
• Story ID: 9534
• Location: (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)