Dec. 9 airpower summary: F-16s destroy weapons cache

  • Published
SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 9, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles successfully performed shows of force with flares to deter enemy activities southeast of Nowzad. Additionally, the aircrew fired guided bomb unit-38s and cannon rounds against enemy positions in Musa Qalat. The munitions struck enemy compounds and fighting positions. The on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed the missions successful as the enemy activity ceased.

An F-15E successfully demonstrated a show of force with flares to deter enemy activities southeast of Orgune. The aircrew also conducted a strike dropping GBU-31s against disabled coalition vehicles south of Musa Qalat to deny enemy use of coalition assets.

An Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II successfully conducted a show of force to deter enemy activities in Musa Qalat.

A-10s in Nowzad destroyed unexploded coalition ordnance with a GBU-38, cannon rounds, and 500-pound bombs. The mission was assessed successful as the munitions impacted on the intended target.

An Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped a GBU-31 and GBU-38s against enemy positions in the vicinity of Nowzad. The bombs struck an enemy compound and other fighting positions. The JTAC reported the mission was a success.

An F-15E employed a GBU-12 and a GBU-31 against enemy fighting locations in Musa Qalat. The bombs hit an anti-aircraft weapon and a building occupied by enemy combatants. The mission was confirmed by the JTAC as successful.

A French Mirage 2000 successfully conducted a show of force to deter enemy activities southwest of Kandahar.

An A-10 demonstrated a show of force with flares over a suspected Improvised Explosive Device manufacturing facility. The JTAC assessed the mission as successful.
In total, 44 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAFand Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Nine Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan.

In Iraq, an Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon successfully destroyed a weapons cache with a GBU-38 in Baghdad.

An F-16 dropped a GBU-12 against an enemy IED team southwest of Kirkuk. The bomb directly impacted on the intended target. The mission was declared as a success.

Enemy fire was deterred during an F-16 show of force demonstration northwest of Al Kut. The mission was reported as a success.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 50 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.

Twenty-one Air Force, Navy, and Royal Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support 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 support, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 129 airlift sorties were flown; 413 tons of cargos were delivered, and 3,277 passengers were transported. This included approximately 42,204 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Dec. 8, Air Force, French, and RAF tankers flew 40 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.6 million pounds of fuel to 217 receiving aircraft.