Nov. 3 airpower summary: A-10s provide airpower

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

In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle fired on enemy combatants who were in the process of monitoring and relaying coalition positions in the area of Tarin Kowt. A Guided Bomb Unit-38 hit and destroyed the intended target. The joint terminal attack controller confirmed the mission as successful.

A French M2000D Mirage assisted by a French Mirage F-1 CR performed shows of force to deter enemy activity in Sangin. The mission was successful.

In Asadabad, a B1-B Lancer dropped GBU-38s against enemy mortar positions firing against coalition forces. The JTAC confirmed the targets were successfully destroyed.

A B1-B performed shows of force with the use of flares to deter enemy fire in Qal a Naw. The JTAC declared the shows of force as successful.

During the same mission, enemy combatants were struck with GBU-38s dropped from a B1-B in Shkin. The JTAC confirmed successful impacts on the intended targets.
A Mirage 2000 conducted a show of force over an access route in Serwa. The mission achieved a successful effect.

An F-15E provided armed overwatch for a coalition convoy moving through Alah Say. The mission was assessed as successful.

In Sangin, F-15Es performed shows of force with flares to deter enemy activities. The JTAC declared the mission as successful.

In total, 25 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

In Iraq, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs fired on a weapons cache with a GBU-38 and a GBU-12. One pilot fired cannon rounds on enemies moving to new positions. The JTAC confirmed the munitions hit their intended targets and the weapons cache was destroyed.

Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons performed shows of force in Mosul to disrupt enemy activities against coalition forces. The JTAC declared the mission a success.

An RAF GR-4 Tornado performed a show of force with flares against enemy activities in Basrah. The JTAC assessed the mission as successful.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 66 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-three Air Force, Navy and RAF intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, seven Air Force, Navy and RAF aircraft flew tactical reconnaissance missions.

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 157 airlift sorties were flown; 424 tons of cargos were delivered, and 3,893 passengers were transported. This includes approximately 11,000 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Nov. 2, Air Force and RAF tankers flew 44 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.1 million pounds of fuel to 232 receiving aircraft.