Oct. 3 airpower summary: B-1Bs provide show of force

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

In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs fired cannon rounds onto enemy fighting positions in Asadabad. The on-scene joint terminal attack controller reported that the rounds hit the intended targets and the desired result was achieved.

One of the pilots conducted a show of force to defer further enemy attacks. Enemy actions were deterred and the show of force was deemed successful by the JTAC.

An Air Force B-1B Lancer targeted enemy rocket positions in Shkin with guided bomb unit-38s. The JTAC reported good hits on the targets.

The aircrew also engaged enemy observation positions with GBU-31s. According to the JTAC, the strike was successful.

An F-15E Strike Eagle dropped GBU-38s and a GBU 31 onto an enemy position in Asadabad to suppress enemy fire. The JTAC confirmed that enemy fire was suppressed and the action was successful.

An A-10 strafed enemies in Orgun-E with cannon rounds. The mission was reported successful and the desired affect was achieved.

In Bermel, A-10s conducted shows of force with flares to deter enemy attacks. The JTAC reported the shows of force was successful.

An F-15E performed a show of force with flares to deter enemy activity in a wooded area in Sangin. Enemy actions were deterred and the shows of force were deemed a success by the JTAC.

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

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

In Iraq, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons provided overwatch for counter improvised explosive device operations in Muqdadiyah.

One of the pilots performed a show of force to deter enemy personnel from firing on coalition forces. Enemy actions were deterred.

A Navy F/A-18 Hornet conducted an air strike on a structure containing enemy personnel in Muqdadiyah with a GBU-38. The JTAC confirmed that the strike was successful.

In Mosul, an F-16 conducted a show of force to reinforce coalition air power presence and prevent violent activity. The JTAC reported the show of force as successful.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 72 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 and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, seven Air Force, Navy and RAFaircraft 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 154 airlift sorties were flown, 520 tons of cargo were delivered, and 3,549 passengers were transported.

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

On Oct. 2, Air Force, French and RAF tankers flew 51 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.1 million pounds of fuel to 253 receiving aircraft.