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| News > Sept. 7 airpower summary: Predator is the eye in the sky |
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Russell Gordy works on a cooling fan on an MQ-1 Predator unmanned aerial vehicle after it flew over Balad Air Base, Iraq. The Predator provides armed reconnaissance, airborne surveillance and target acquisition for Operation Enduring and Iraqi Freedom. Mr. Gordy is an avionics mechanic. (Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Jonathan Steffen)
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Sept. 7 airpower summary: Predator is the eye in the sky
Posted 9/8/2007
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9/8/2007 - SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) -- Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Sept. 7, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.
In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and F-15E Strike Eagles struck enemies in a tree line with cannon rounds near Gereshk. The joint terminal attack controller confirmed the rounds hit their targets. The F-15E also provided a show of force over an enemy compound in the area.
Another A-10 destroyed an enemy compound using a guided bomb unit-12. The pilots also fired cannon rounds on enemies still in the compound and an enemy concealment site.
F-15Es attacked a compound and enemies in a tree line with GBU-38s and a GBU-12 near Lashkar Ghar. The JTAC confirmed the weapons hit their intended targets.
Also in Lashkar Ghar, A-10s strafed enemies on a rooftop with cannon rounds. Ground forces took fire from anti-aircraft artillery before the strafing passes. The firing ceased after the passes.
A-10s provided shows of force with flares to deter enemy forces from attacking in Ghazni and Gardez. The show of force was executed for coalition forces searching a large cave complex.
In total, 41 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.
Nine Air Force and Royal Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, two RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.
In Iraq, F-16 Fighting Falcons destroyed a house containing al-Qaida fighters with a GBU-38 in Baghdad. The pilots also conducted a show of force to ward off improvised explosive device emplacers in Mosul.
Also in Baghdad, A-10 damaged two trucks carrying weapons using a GBU-12 and cannon rounds. The pilots also provided a show of force with flares over vehicles afterward to keep individuals from approaching and accessing them.
Also in Baghdad, an F-16 provided a show of force over a mosque to influence a high value individual believed to be inside. The pilots also monitored an area where a bridge was destroyed the night before.
Another F-16 conducted a show of force to stop small arms fire during a medical evacuation in Baqubah. The pilots also watched over ground units exiting an area after a raid. A-10s watched over the medical evacuation. The A-10s also monitored friendly forces as they destroyed a vehicle-borne IED.
A RAF GR-4 Tornado provided successful shows of force over areas around Baqubah. The shows of force were meant as deterrents at area around a forward operating base and the location of a suspected al-Qaida leader.
F-16s provided overwatch for an evacuation mission in Al Iskandariyah.
A Navy F/A-18 Hornet provided a show of force over a hostile area in Al Kut. The pilots also investigated the area of a recently detonated IED.
In total, coalition aircraft flew 67 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions supported coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided over watch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.
Sixteen Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, six Navy and RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.
Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intra-theater heavy airlift support, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.
Approximately 160 airlift sorties were flown, 520 tons of cargo were delivered, and approximately 3,700 passengers were transported. This included approximately 19,300 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.
Coalition C-130 crews from Australia, Canada, Iraq, Japan and Korea flew in support of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.
On Sept. 6, Air Force and RAF tankers flew 55 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.8 million pounds of fuel to 230 receiving aircraft. |
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