June 16 airpower summary: B-1B provides show of force

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNS) --  Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations June 16, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, a Royal Air Force GR-9 Harrier and a coalition aircraft each performed a show of force in support of a resupply convoy that had suffered an IED strike near Farah, Afghanistan. The shows of force suppressed enemy fire until the convoy could resume travel.

Near Ghazni in Eastern Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer performed a show of force in support of a convoy that was temporarily stationary. The aircraft maneuvered and expended flares.

Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles used guided bomb unit-31s and a 20mm cannon to hit a cave used by enemy forces as a sniper position. The aircraft engaged the cave after it was identified as the sniper's location. The air attack successfully eliminated the sniper threat.

An Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II executed shows of force, expending flares, while flying cover for a coalition convoy moving through Bagram in Eastern Afghanistan. The aircraft deterred an enemy attack from taking place.

In the area of Lashkar Gah a Navy F/A-18C Hornet conducted a show of force to support ground forces receiving sporadic small-arms and RPG fire. The maneuver suppressed enemy fire. The aircraft continued to provide overwatch until ground forces completed their mission.

Joint terminal attack controllers assigned to coalition units verified the success of these missions.

In total, 63 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Twenty-two Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan. In addition, two Air Force and two coalition aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, coalition aircraft flew 19 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions integrated and synchronized with coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided overwatch for reconstruction activities, and helped to deter and disrupt hostile activities.

Twenty-seven Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. In addition, two Air Force aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intra-theater heavy airlift, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 140 airlift sorties were flown; 575 tons of cargo was delivered; and about 2,800 passengers were transported. This included about 103,000 pounds of aerial resupply cargo dropped over Afghanistan.

Coalition C-130 crews flew as part of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.

On June 15, Air Force HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopters and "Guardian Angel" teams transported 11 patients to coalition field hospitals from locations in Afghanistan. A pararescue team aboard located, rescued and began treatment to stabilize patients in the battlefield. The Pave Hawk transported these patients to field hospitals.

Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 36 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.3 million pounds of fuel to 151 receiving aircraft.