June 12 airpower summary: Predator targets enemy

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNS) --  Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations June 12, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, a B-1B Lancer conducted a strike against an enemy building near Shurakian using guided bomb unit-38s. The building was destroyed after enemy personnel operating from the structure emplaced and detonated an improvised explosive device against a friendly convoy.

In the mountains near Asadabad, an F-15E Strike Eagle dropped a GBU-31 to destroy an enemy cave complex. Enemy gunmen armed with rocket-propelled grenades and assault rifles carried out an attack earlier and were tracked back to the cave.

An MQ-1B Predator fired a Hellfire missile during an engagement in Lashkar Gah. The aircraft targeted enemy personnel attacking a coalition convoy with RPG and automatic weapons fire. A coalition aircraft also used a GBU-12 to bomb a building with enemy forces inside it firing at coalition ground troops.

A B-1B released GBU-31 and -38 munitions across a ridgeline near Washir. The aircraft hit a group of enemy personnel dug in along the heights who were firing at a passing Afghan and coalition convoy.

F-15Es and A-10 Thunderbolt IIs flew shows of force near Qalat, Gardez and Lashkar Gah to deter additional enemy attacks on convoys traveling through those areas. The presence of strike aircraft prevented anti-Afghan forces from acting, allowing Afghan and coalition combined forces humanitarian supply missions and security operations to succeed.

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

In total, 58 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

In Iraq, coalition aircraft flew 25 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.

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 150 airlift sorties were flown, 400 tons of cargo were delivered and about 2,800 passengers were transported. This included about 80,000 pounds of aerial resupply cargo dropped over Afghanistan.

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

On June 11, HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopters and "Guardian Angel" teams transported 8 patients to coalition field hospitals from locations in Afghanistan.

Aerial refueling crews flew 43 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.4 million pounds of fuel to 173 receiving aircraft.