Nov. 11 airpower summary: F-16s support mission

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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 Nov. 11, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force B1-B Lancer dropped a guided bomb unit-38 against an enemy fighting position in Gereshk. A direct hit was reported by the on-scene joint terminal attack controller who declared the strike as a success.

A Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet engaged an enemy mortar position with a GBU-38 in Orgune. The enemy combatants at the mortar position were responsible for firing mortars against a coalition compound in the area. The strike was deemed successful by the JTAC.

In Orgune, a Navy F/A-18 Hornet targeted enemy combatants with a GBU-38. The mission was confirmed as successful by the JTAC.

F/A-18s performed shows of force with flares to deter enemy activities in Lashkar Gah and Bagram. The mission was reported successful by the JTAC.

A French Mirage 2000 supported a coalition convoy movement by performing a show of force in Orgune. The JTAC declared the demonstration as a success.

In total, 30 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Eight Air Force and RAF surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan.

In Iraq, several GBU-38s and GBU-31s were dropped from a B1-B against structures in Baghdad to deny the enemy further use of the facilities. The JTAC reported the destruction of the targets and assessed the mission as successful.

Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons performed shows of force with flares to deter enemy activities in Bayji. The JTAC assessed the mission as successful.

In Al Amarah, a RAF Tornado GR-4 conducted a show of force with flares to deter enemy activities. The mission was reported as successful.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 47 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions supported coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided over watch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

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

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

Approximately 131 airlift sorties were flown; 459 tons of cargos were delivered, and 2,396 passengers were transported. This included approximately 23,200 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Nov. 10, Air Force and RAF aerial refueling crews flew 43 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.8 million pounds of fuel to 223 receiving aircraft.