June 26 airpower summary: B-1Bs bomb enemy vehicles

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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 June 26, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force B-1B Lancers and F-15E Strike Eagles dropped guided bomb unit-12s, 31s, and 38s to destroy anti-coalition members and vehicles ambushing friendly forces in the vicinity of Shindand. An on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed the missions successful.

In the vicinity of Sheykhabad, an Air Force MQ-1 Predator fired a Hellfire missile and an F-15E dropped a GBU-38 to destroy enemy combatants and an enemy building. In addition, F-15Es performed shows of force to deter any further enemy activities. A JTAC reported the mission successful. 

F-15Es dropped GBU-31s and a GBU-38 to destroy anti-Afghan forces in the vicinity of Asadabad. A JTAC declared the mission successful.

An Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II performed a show of force to deter enemy activities in the vicinity of Pakistan. A JTAC confirmed the mission successful.

A French 2000 Mirage performed a show of force to deter enemy activities in the vicinity of Tarin Kowt. A JTAC reported the mission successful.

In total, 56 close-air-support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

In Iraq, an Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon dropped a GBU-31 to destroy an enemy bunker in the vicinity of Baqubah. A JTAC declared the mission successful.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 70 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 and Royal Australian Air Force ISR aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, eight Air Force, Navy 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 138 airlift sorties were flown, 331 tons of cargo delivered and 3,927passengers were transported. This included approximately 40,160 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On June 25, Air Force, French and RAF tanker crews flew 60 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.6 million pounds of fuel to 288 receiving aircraft.