July 16 airpower summary: A-10s conduct shows of force

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

In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped a guided bomb unit-31 and GBU-38s onto enemy combatants in the vicinity of Sangin. Furthermore, a Royal Air Force GR-7 Harrier conducted a show of force to deter enemy combatants and anti-Afghan activity. An on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed the missions successful.

In the vicinity of Nangalam, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle dropped GBU-38s onto anti-Afghan forces. In addition, an F-15E performed a show of force to deter activities by anti-Afghan forces in the vicinity of Khowst. The missions were reported a success by JTACs.

An F-15E conducted a show of force to deter anti-Afghan forces in the vicinity of Worzhanah Kalay. A JTAC declared the mission successful.

Near Bagram, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs conducted shows of force to deter anti-Afghan forces. The mission was confirmed a success by a JTAC.

F-15Es conducted shows of force to deter anti-Afghan activity in the vicinity of Orgun-E, and near Kabul. JTACs reported the missions successful.

In the vicinity of Kandahar, a French 2000 Mirage conducted a show of force to deter anti-Afghan activities. The mission was declared a success by a JTAC.

An F-15E conducted a show of force to deter anti-Afghan activity in the vicinity of Soltani. Furthermore, French 2000 Mirage conducted shows of force to deter enemy combatants and anti-Afghan activity. A JTAC confirmed the missions successful.

In the vicinity of Lwara, an F-15E conducted a show of force to deter anti-Afghan activity. The mission was reported a success by a JTAC.

In total, 42 close-air-support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

In Iraq, coalition aircraft flew 42 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 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 150 airlift sorties were flown, 466 tons of cargo delivered and 2,915 passengers were transported. This included approximately 24,300 pounds of troop re-supply airdropped in Afghanistan.

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

On July 15, Air Force, French and RAF tanker crews flew 64 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3 million pounds of fuel to 251 receiving aircraft.