Oct. 9 airpower summary: A-10s bring firepower to the fight

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

In Afghanistan, a show of force was conducted by Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs to deter enemy actions toward coalition forces moving through Orgune. The on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed the mission was successful.

A Royal Air Force GR-9 Harrier fired rockets at enemy forces while supporting coalition forces in Garmsir. The JTAC declared mission was successful.

An Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle conducted a show of force to prevent enemy activity in Garmsir. The JTAC declared the show of force was a success.

During the same mission, F-15Es conducted a strike on an enemy compound in Garmsir using guided bomb unit-38s. The JTAC confirmed the bombs destroyed the target.

An Air Force B1-B Lancer conducted a bombardment of enemy sites in Uruzgan using a GBU-38 and GBU-31s. The JTAC confirmed that the bombs hit the desired target.

In Bermal, a GR-9 provided close-air-support to coalition ground forces using rockets against an enemy firing position. The desired effect was achieved and the mission was declared a success by the JTAC.

Enemy forces inside a cave in Bari Kowt were struck by A-10 Thunderbolt IIs using a GBU-12 and cannon rounds. The JTAC confirmed that the mission was a success.

In Orgune, A-10s supported a coalition convoy movement by using shows of force to deter enemy attacks. The JTAC declared the mission was successful.

In total, 41 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Seven Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, three RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, an Air Force MQ-1 Predator engaged enemy combatants with a Hellfire rocket in Baghdad. The mission was declared a success by the JTAC.

A Navy F/A-18 Hornet conducted a show of force with flares to deter enemy actions in Baquabah. The JTAC on the ground declared the show of force a success.

During an armed overwatch, F/A-18s conducted shows of force using flares to prevent enemy activities in Baquabah. The JTAC declared the show of force was a success.

An F/A-18 performed a show of force expending flares to deter enemy actions prior to a raid on a house by coalition forces in Baghdad. The mission achieved the desired result as reported by the JTAC.

An RAF GR-4 Tornado conducted a show of force to deter resistance during a preplanned arrest operation by coalition forces in Baquabah. The JTAC declared that the mission was successful.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 65 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 and Royal Australian Air Force ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, seven Air Force, Navy 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.

Some 142 airlift sorties were flown, 302 tons of cargo were delivered and 3,388 passengers were transported. Airlift included approximately 53,110 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Oct. 8, Air Force, French and RAF tankers flew 52 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.3 million pounds of fuel to 269 receiving aircraft.