Jan. 10 airpower summary: Weapon crews ensure success

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Jan. 10, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles performed shows of force to deter enemy activity in Deh Rawod, and Gereshk. The F-15Es also destroyed an enemy mortar position located in a compound with guided bomb unit-38s in Deh Rawod. An on-scene joint terminal attack controllers confirmed the missions successful.

An Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II dropped GBU-12s to destroy a coalition vehicle that had been damaged by an improvised explosive device in Kandahar. This action was conducted to prevent the enemy from having access to the vehicle. The mission was declared a success by a JTAC. 

An F-15E performed a show of force to deter enemy activities in Kabul. A JTAC confirmed the show of force was successful.

An F-15E successfully performed shows of force over friendly forces positions in Bagram and Khowst. Shows of force are performed to deter enemy activities.

In total, 33 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Ten Air Force and RAF surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, two RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, coalition aircraft dropped GBU-31s and GBU-38s to destroy several IED emplacements in Baghdad. Air Force B-1B Lancers and F-16 Fighting Falcons conducted the missions with a Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet. In addition an F-16 performed a show of force to deter the enemy activities. A JTACs deemed the missions successful.

An F-16 dropped a GBU-12 to destroy a vehicle borne IED in Samarra. The mission was declared a success by a JTAC. 

F-18s destroyed an al-Qaida structure with GBU-38s in Iskandariyah. A JTAC reported the mission as a success.

An F-16 destroyed an enemy an enemy anti-aircraft artillery gun near a river south of Baqubah. The mission was declared a success by a JTAC. 

An F-16 eliminated multiple IEDs by dropping a GBU-38 in Tikrit. The strike was reported as successful by a JTAC.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 58 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions supported coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided overwatch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Eighteen Air Force, Navy, and Royal Australian Air Force surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, six Navy and RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance. 

Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intra-theater heavy airlift support, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 141 airlift sorties were flown, 345 tons of cargo were delivered, and 3,239 passengers were transported. This included approximately 63,768 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Jan. 9, Air Force and RAF tanker crews flew 43 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3 million pounds of fuel to 260 receiving aircraft.