Oct. 23 airpower summary: Enemy forces are Thunderstruck

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Oct. 23, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force B1-B Lancer conducted a strike against an enemy rocket site in Bermel with a guided bomb unit-31. The GBU-31 hit the target and the on-scene joint terminal attack controller reported the target destroyed. The mission was confirmed successful.

During that same mission, a B-1B used several flares during a show of force over Sangin to deter enemy activity. The JTAC declared the mission was successful.

Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles struck an enemy fighting position located in Jangal using GBU-38s and GBU-31s. The mission effectively subdued the enemy position. The JTAC reported the mission as a success.

A fighting position used by enemy forces in Jalalabad was destroyed by F-15Es using a GBU-12, GBU-38, and a GBU-31. The strike successfully ceased enemy activity and the JTAC confirmed the mission was successful.

A French Mirage-2000 performed a show force to support a coalition convoy movement in Kandahar. The JTAC assessed the mission was successful.

In total, 31 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Eleven 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, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs conducted shows of force with the use of flares to deter enemy forces form firing upon friendly forces in Basrah. The mission was deemed successful by the JTAC.

An Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon performed a show of force to deter enemy activities in Baghdad. The JTAC confirmed the mission as successful.

While supporting friendly forces, a Navy F/A-18 Hornet performed a show of force to deter enemy activities in Rawah. The show of force achieved the desired result.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 49 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.

Seventeen Air Force and Navy ISR 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. 

Some 139 airlift sorties were flown, 404 tons of cargos were delivered and 3,476 passengers were transported.

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

On Oct. 22, Air Force and RAF tankers flew 39 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.6 million pounds of fuel to 193 receiving aircraft.