Oct. 1 airpower summary: Predators on the prowl

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

An Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle dropped a guided bomb unit-38 on a building in Kajaki Dam being used as a firing position by enemy forces. An on-scene joint terminal attack controller reported the building was destroyed.

An F-15E also conducted a show of force with flares along a dry river bed near Kajaki Dam.  Enemy forces were scattered and the JTAC confirmed that the show of force was successful.

In Tarin Kowt , Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs used shows of force, cannon rounds and general purpose 500-pound bombs to halt insurgents firing at friendly forces from a compound. The JTAC confirmed the munitions achieved the desired result.

An Air Force B-1B Lancer destroyed an enemy vehicle and firing positions in Tarin Kowt with GBU-38s. The results were confirmed by the JTAC.

A Royal Air Force GR-7 Harrier conducted a show of force over Tarin Kowt. The JTAC confirmed the action was successful.

A GR-9 Harrier used rockets in Tarin Kowt to suppress enemy fire coming from a compound. Small-arms fire was ceased and the strike was declared a success by the JTAC.

A B1-B successfully used flares as a show of force over Bagram to provide cover for a friendly convoy. The action was reported with good effects by the JTAC and further enemy activity was denied.

In Asadabad, A-10s strafed enemy personnel with cannon rounds. The JTAC confirmed the munitions hit the targets and the desired affect was achieved.

An Air Force MQ-1B Predator fired a Hellfire missile at enemy personnel in Deh Rawod. The JTAC reported a direct hit on the target and the strike was assessed as successful.

In Kandahar, F-15Es used shows of force to limit enemy activity. The JTAC reported the shows of force as successful.

F-15Es In Gereshk conducted shows of force to reassure coalition forces and to make air presence known. Enemy actions were deterred and the shows of force were deemed a success by the JTAC.

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 and RAF intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, two RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, an Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon conducted a show of force over Al Kut to deter violence from breaking out at an Iraqi police headquarters. The crowd dissipated and the action was reported as successful by the JTAC.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 66 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.

Twenty Air Force and Navy 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.

Approximately 150 airlift sorties were flown, 530 tons of cargo were delivered and 3,300 passengers were transported. Airlift included approximately 35,000 pounds of supplies air-dropped in Afghanistan in order to re-supply ground forces.

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

On Sept. 30, Air Force, French and RAF aerial refueling crews flew 51 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.2 million pounds of fuel to 290 receiving aircraft.