June 20 airpower summary: F-16s in the fight

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SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Coalition airpower integrated with Coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations June 20, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer and A-10 Thunderbolt IIs dropped guided bomb unit-12s, GBU-31s, GBU-38s and 500-pound bombs to destroy anti-Afghan ambush teams and rocket positions in the vicinity of Orgun-E. In addition, A-10s performed shows of force to deter any further enemy activities. A joint terminal attack controller confirmed the missions successful.

In the vicinity of Khowst, a B-1B and A-10s dropped GBU-12s, 38s, and 500 lb bombs to destroy enemy combatants. A JTAC reported the missions successful.

In the vicinity of Nagalam, a B-1B dropped a GBU-31 to destroy enemy anti-Afghan fighting positions. A JTAC declared the mission successful.

In the vicinity of Bagram, a B-1B dropped a GBU-31 to destroy an enemy rocket position. A JTAC confirmed the mission successful.

An Air Force MQ-9A Reaper dropped a GBU-12 to destroy insurgents in the vicinity of Kandahar. A JTAC reported the mission successful.

In the vicinity of Bari Kowt, F-15E Strike Eagles performed shows of force to deter enemy activities. A JTAC declared the mission successful.

In total, 50 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

In Iraq, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons dropped GBU-38s to destroy an enemy building in the vicinity of Baqubah. A JTAC confirmed the mission successful.

To deter enemy activities, a Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet and F-16s performed shows of force in the vicinity of Al Amarah, Baghdad and Kirkuk. JTACs reported the missions successful.

In total, Coalition aircraft flew 68 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions integrated and synchronized with coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided over watch 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, eight Air Force, Navy, and RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

U.S. Air Force C-130s and C-17s provided intra-theater heavy airlift, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 146 airlift sorties were flown, 459 tons of cargo delivered and 3,240 passengers were transported. This included approximately 76,800 pounds of troop resupply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On June 19, U.S. Air Force and RAF aerial refueling crews flew 54 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.1 million pounds of fuel to 265 receiving aircraft.