July 22 airpower summary: B-1Bs hit enemy targets

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

In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-38s onto enemy combatants and enemy firing positions near Shinkay. An on-scene joint terminal attack controller declared the mission successful.

Near Musa Qala, a Navy F/A-18C Hornet dropped a GBU-12 onto an enemy mortar team engaging coalition forces. Additionally, F/A-18Cs performed a show of force to deter enemy activities. The mission was confirmed successful by a JTAC.

A B-1B dropped a GBU-38 onto anti-Afghan forces emplacing an improvised explosive device near Khowst. A JTAC reported the mission successful.

Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles conducted shows of force to deter enemy activities near Bagram and in the vicinity of Ganj Abad and Orgun-E. The missions were declared successful by JTACs.

Royal Air Force GR-7 Harriers performed shows of force to deter anti-Afghan activities in the vicinity of Gereshk. A JTAC confirmed the mission successful.

Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs conducted shows of force to deter enemy activities near Bari Kowt. The mission was reported successful by a JTAC.

Navy F/A-18F Super Hornets performed a show of force to deter anti-Afghan activities in the vicinity of Sangin. The mission was reported successful by a JTAC.

In total, 71 close-air-support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Thirteen Air Force, Navy 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, coalition aircraft flew 52 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-six Air Force and Navy 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 143 airlift sorties were flown, 447 tons of cargo delivered and 2,981 passengers were transported. This included approximately 54,700 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 21, Air Force, French and RAF tanker crews flew 61 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.1 million pounds of fuel to 285 receiving aircraft.