Oct. 25 airpower summary: F-16s support coaliton forces

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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 Oct. 25, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an enemy cave located in Gardez was struck with guided bomb unit-31s and GBU-38s released from Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles. The joint terminal attack controller confirmed the munitions hit the intended target and declared the mission was successful.

During the same mission, an enemy fighting position was targeted by F-15s with GBU-31s in Gardez. The JTAC confirmed the mission was a success.

In Nangalam, F-15Es performed shows of force with the use of flares to deter enemy activity. The demonstrations were declared successful by the JTAC.

Enemy combatants were targeted by F-15s with GBU-38s in Uruzgan. The enemy combatants were engaging coalition forces. The munitions hit the intended target and the JTAC confirmed the mission as successful.

Shows of force with the use of flares were conducted by F-15s to deter enemy activity in Nangalam. The demonstration was declared successful by the JTAC.

During the same mission, F-15s struck enemy combatants along a ridgeline with a GBU-31, a GBU-12, and GBU-38s in Gardez. The enemy combatants were engaged in actions against coalition forces. The JTAC confirmed the mission a success.

A GBU-38 was dropped on an enemy target by an F-15E during an engagement with enemy combatants in Nangalam. The JTAC confirmed the strike was successful.

An Air Force B1-B Lancer engaged an enemy observation site with GBU-31s near Nangalam. The munitions impacted on the targets and the JTAC confirmed the mission was successful

In total, 35 close-air-support missions were flown in support of 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 performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, a B1-B targeted enemy combatants and an improvise explosive device cache with GBU-31s and a GBU-38 in Bayji. The JTAC confirmed the mission as a success.

During the same mission, a weapons cache was struck with GBU-31s from a B1-B in Baghdad. The JTAC confirmed the mission as successful.

Royal Air Force GR-4 Tornados conducted shows of force to deter enemy activity in Baghdad. The mission was deemed successful by the JTAC.

An Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II performed a show of force with the use of flares to deter enemy activities in Hawijah. The JTAC declared the mission as successful.

An Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon conducted a show of force to support coalition forces conducting a raid in Basrah. The JTAC assessed the mission was successful.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 48 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.

Eighteen Air Force, Navy, and Royal Australian Air Force ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, three Air Force 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 144 airlift sorties were flown. Cargo weights and passenger totals for C-130s are currently not available but will be reported at a later time; 325 tons of cargo and 929 passengers were delivered by C-17s. This included approximately 66,030 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Oct. 24,  Air Force, French and RAF tankers flew 42 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.7 million pounds of fuel to 207 receiving aircraft. 

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