July 19 airpower summary: F-16s provide armed aerial security

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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 19, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Royal Air Force GR-7 Harriers dropped an Enhanced Paveway II munitions and a 500-pound bomb onto a compound where enemy fighters were firing upon coalition forces in the vicinity of Abu Kala. In addition, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-31s and GBU-38s onto additional enemy combatants. An on-scene joint terminal attack controllers confirmed the missions successful.

In the vicinity of Ali Kheyl, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped a GBU-31, GBU-38 and conducted shows of force in order to deter anti-Afghan activity. The missions where reported a success by a JTAC.

A B-1B dropped a GBU-38 onto anti-Afghan firing positions in the vicinity of Anar Derreh. Furthermore, an Air Force MQ-1 Predator fired a Hellfire missile onto additional enemy combatants in a vehicle. A JTAC declared the missions successful.

In the vicinity of Asadabad, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II fired cannon rounds onto enemy combatant firing positions. The mission was confirmed a success by a JTAC.

An RAF GR-9 Harrier fired a rocket onto enemy forces bunker system after taking fire from a rocket propelled grenade launcher. A JTAC reported the mission successful.

In the vicinity of Worzhanah Kalay, an F-15E conducted a show of force to deter anti-Afghan forces. Furthermore, an F-15E conducted a show of force to provide armed aerial security patrol for coalition forces in the vicinity of Ajrestan. The mission was declared a success by a JTAC.

In total, 68 close-air-support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

In Iraq, an Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon dropped GBU-38s onto improvised explosive device factory near Samarra. A JTAC confirmed the mission successful.

In the vicinity of Al Amarah, an F-16 conducted a show of force to provide armed aerial security for friendly ground forces receiving small armed fire. The mission was declared a success by a JTAC.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 44 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-five Air Force, Navy, RAF and Royal Australian Air Force ISR aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, four Air Force and RAF 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 144 airlift sorties were flown, 502 tons of cargo delivered and 2,114 passengers were transported.

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

On July 18, Air Force and RAF tanker crews flew 64 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.4 million pounds of fuel to 296 receiving aircraft.