Oct. 6 airpower summary: Refuelers provide global reach

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

In Afghanistan, a B-1B Lancer over Kajaki Dam targeted an enemy compound with a guided bomb unit-31. An on-scene joint terminal attack controler declared that the bomb hit the intended target and reported the strike a success.

Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs used a show of force and flares to deter an attack on a friendly ground team in Shkin. The JTAC considered the action successful and the desired result was achieved.

A-10s in Shkin also conducted strafing runs with cannon rounds to control enemy personnel movement. The pilot and JTAC confirmed the rounds hit their target and the attack was reported a success.

A B1-B over Asadabad dropped a GBU-31 and GBU-38s on enemy firing positions to halt an enemy mortar attack. The JTAC reported good hits on the weapons and declared the strike a success.

An F-15E Strike Eagle performed a show of force with flares to deter insurgents in Kandahar. The JTAC reported the show of force was successful and the enemy personnel were deterred.

Also in Kandahar, F 15Es used shows of force to reassure friendly forces of their presence. The JTAC confirmed the action achieved the desired effect.

Another F-15E used a show of force over Kandahar to intimidate enemy personnel. The JTAC confirmed no hostile enemy activity and reported the show of force as a success.

In Orgun-E, an A-10 performed a show of force to deter enemy sympathizers from cooperating with the enemy. The JTAC reported the action achieved the desired effect.

An F-15E conducted a show of force to dissuade enemy activity in Tarin Kowt . The JTAC reported the action ws successful.

In total, 37 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

In Iraq, an Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon targeted a building in Al Muqdadiyah with a GBU-38. Post strike assessment by the JTAC confirmed the building was destroyed and the strike was successful.

Also in Al Muqdadiyah, an F-16 used a GBU-38 to destroy a known Al Qaeda building rigged with improvised explosive devices . The JTAC confirmed a successful hit on the building and reported the strike was successful.

In Al Hillah, a B1-B ceased enemy fire with the use of GBU-31s. The JTAC confirmed the action halted enemy fire and reported the action achieved the desired result.

Also in Al Hillah, a B1-B used flares for a show of force to halt further enemy fire. The JTAC reported the show of force achieved the intended purpose.

An MQ-1B Predator targeted an enemy mortar team with a Hellfire missile near Balad. The JTAC confirmed missile impact and declared the strike was successful.

Navy F/A-18 Hornets conducted shows of force over Al Kut to cause a reaction from anti-Iraqi personnel. The JTAC on the ground declared the shows of force were a success.

An F-16 performed a show of force near Baghdad to suppress enemy fire.
The JTAC called the action a success.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 73 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.

Nineteen Air Force, Navy and Royal Australian Air Force ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq.  Additionally, six 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.

Approximately 155 airlift sorties were flown, 513 tons of cargo were delivered and 3,888 passengers were transported. Airlift included approximately 46,000 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Oct. 5, Air Force, French and RAF tankers flew 45 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.7 million pounds of fuel to 234 receiving aircraft.