Sept. 21 airpower summary: F-16s fill multiple combat roles

  • Published
SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Sept. 21, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. 

Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs used guided bomb unit-12s to engage enemies in Asadabad firing on coalition forces from dug-in positions. An on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed the munitions hit their targets and the desired results were achieved. 

One of the A-10s performed a show of force with flares to deter enemies from engaging coalition forces near Nangalam. The JTAC confirmed the show of force was successful. 

In Oruzgan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle conducted a show of force with flares to discourage enemies from attacking coalition forces. The show of force was reported successful by the JTAC. 

An A-10 conducted a show of force with flares in Musah Qal'eh to prevent an enemy attack. The JTAC confirmed the attack was deterred. 

An A-10 performed a show of force near Now Zad to deter enemy activity. The JTAC confirmed the desired effect was achieved. 

In total, 44 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols. 

Nine 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, an Air Force B-1B Lancer used GBU-31s to destroy an enemy building in Baghdad. The JTAC confirmed the strike was successful. 

An Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon struck an enemy safe house with a GBU-38 in Salman Pak. The JTAC confirmed the safe house was destroyed. 

In Baqubah, A-10s provided armed overwatch for a coalition team investigating suspicious activity. 

In Al Miqdadiyah, an F-16 conducted a show of force with flares to discourage enemy attacks. The show of force had the desired effect. 

An F-16 struck a vehicle in Bayji with a GBU-12 being used for improvised explosive device emplacement. The JTAC reported the vehicle was destroyed. 

In Baghdad, A-10s engaged enemies in a building with GBU-12s to cease heavy machine-gun and anti-aircraft fire against coalition forces. The strike was reported as successful and the building was destroyed. 

In total, coalition aircraft flew 45 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 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 III's provided intratheater heavy airlift support, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa. Approximately 160 airlift sorties were flown, 370 tons of cargo were delivered and approximately 4,250 passengers were transported. 

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

On Sept. 20, Air Force and RAF tankers flew 48 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.5 million pounds of fuel to 209 receiving aircraft.