Sept. 19 airpower summary: Maintainers keep mission flying

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Sept. 19, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles engaged enemies near Gereshk using guided bomb unit-38s. Continuing the engagement, a pilot struck an enemy compound with a GBU-12. The on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed the munitions hit their targets and the desired results were achieved.

Near Deh Rawod, F-15Es dropped GBU-31s and GBU-12s on enemy firing positions in a tree line. One of the pilots continued the engagement striking an enemy compound with a GBU-12. The JTAC confirmed the bombs hit their target and the desired affect was achieved.

One of the F-15Es also performed a show of force to deter enemies from attacking coalition forces. The show of force was deemed successful by the JTAC.

Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs in Deh Rawod struck an enemy compound with GBU-12s. The JTAC reported the compound was destroyed.

In Gereshk, A-10s dropped GBU-12s on an enemy compound and enemies in the surrounding field. The pilots also strafed enemies firing on coalition forces from a tree line. The JTAC confirmed the weapons hit their targets and the desired result was achieved.

The pilots then strafed another compound with cannon fire to stop enemy ground fire on coalition forces. The JTAC confirmed the strike was successful.

Another A-10 performed a show of force in Gereshk to deter enemies from attacking coalition forces as they moved into a known enemy stronghold.

The show of force was reported as successful by the JTAC.

Royal Air Force GR-7 and GR9 Harriers attacked an enemy compound with general purpose 540-pound bombs. The JTAC reported the compound was destroyed.

The Harriers continued the engagement, firing rockets and dropping enhanced Paveway II munitions on enemies firing on coalition forces from another compound. The JTAC confirmed the munitions hit their targets and enemy fire ceased.

An A-10 provided show of force in Ghazni to deter an enemy attack. The JTAC confirmed the show of force was successful.

An Air Force MQ-1 Predator struck enemies near Gereshk with a Hellfire missile. The strike was assessed as successful. The Predator remained on station to observe further enemy activity.

In total, 38 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Nine Air Force and RAF 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-38s to bomb a road near Baghdad being used by the enemy. The JTAC confirmed the target was destroyed.

The aircrew then used GBU-38s and a GBU-31 to strike an enemy position in Samarra. The JTAC reported the munitions destroyed the target.

In Baqubah, A-10s dropped GBU-38s on an explosive-laden house. The JTAC confirmed the target was destroyed.

An A-10 near Kirkuk conducted a show of force with flares to expose enemy forces.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 47 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.

Sixteen Air Force, Navy and Royal Australian Air Force ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, four Navy aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

U.S. 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 170 airlift sorties were flown, 440 tons of cargo were delivered and the most passengers in one day, more than 5,600, were transported. Airlift included approximately 35,800 pounds of re-supply air-dropped into Afghanistan.

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

On Sept. 18, Air Force, French and RAF aerial refueling crews flew 56 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.5 million pounds of fuel to 275 receiving aircraft.