July 18 airpower summary: F-15Es bomb enemy snipers

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations July 18, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Royal Air Force GR-9 Harriers dropped an Enhanced Paveway II munitions and a 500-pound bomb onto an enemy compound engaging coalition forces near Kandahar. Furthermore, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-38s onto enemy firing positions. An on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed the mission successful.

In the vicinity of Kandahar, a B-1B dropped a GBU-31 and 38s onto improvised explosive devices. The mission was reported successful by a JTAC.

Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs fired cannon rounds and rockets onto anti-Afghan forces engaging coalition forces. Additionally, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped GBU-38s onto enemy sniper positions in the vicinity of Asmar. A JTAC declared the mission successful.

French 2000 Mirages performed a show of force to deter enemy activities in the vicinity of Kandahar. The mission was confirmed successful by a JTAC. 

A-10s conducted shows of force to deter anti-Afghan activities in the vicinity of Asmar and near Bari Kowt and Gardez. The JTACs reported the missions successful.

Navy F/A-18F Super Hornets performed a show of force to deter enemy activities in the vicinity of Worzhanah Kalay. The mission was declared successful.

In total, 65 close-air-support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Twelve Air Force and RAF intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, six Navy and RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons conducted a show of force to deter enemy activity in the vicinity of Al Hawaijah. A JTAC reported the mission successful.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 54 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 terrorist activities.

Twenty-seven Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, 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 137 airlift sorties were flown, 548 tons of cargo delivered and 1,351 passengers were transported. This included approximately 64,340 pounds of troop re-supply airdropped in Afghanistan.

Coalition C-130 crews from Australia, Canada, Iraq and Japan flew as part of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.

On July 17, Air Force, French and RAF tanker crews flew 48 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.6 million pounds of fuel to 193 receiving aircraft.