Sept. 18 airpower summary: A-10s provide security

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

Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs targeted an enemy building in Jaladabad with cannon rounds. The on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed the weapons hit the target and the desired result was achieved.

An Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle conducted a show of force in Gereshk over a group of suspicious people observing coalition forces. The JTAC reported the suspicious activity ceased.

An Air Force B-1B Lancer targeted an enemy mortar position near Shkin with a guided bomb unit-31. The aircrew continued the engagement and targeted enemies trying to move to relocate. The JTAC reported good hits.

The aircrew also provided shows of force in Gardez to halt enemy fire and deter further enemy activity. The JTAC confirmed the shows of force were successful.

Near Gardez,  A-10s provided a show of force for coalition forces searching suspected enemy compounds. The JTAC confirmed the shows of force were successful and the desired results were achieved.

Near Now Zad, A-10s targeted enemies with cannon rounds. The JTAC confirmed the weapons hit the target. One of the pilots conducted a show of force with flares to deter further enemy activity.

In total, 44 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the International Security Assistance Force and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

In Iraq, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons targeted an enemy weapons cache in Baghdad with GBU-38s. The JTAC confirmed the weapons cache was destroyed.

An F-16 in Tikrit conducted a show of force to deter enemy small-arms fire on coalition forces. The JTAC confirmed the show of force was successful.

Shows of force by A-10s were provided over coalition forces who were awaiting evacuation after being struck by an improvised explosive device near Al Miqdadiyah. The show of force successfully deterred hostile activity.

An F-16 in Baqubah provided a show of force to deter enemy fire. The JTAC confirmed the show of force was successful.

In Baqubah, an F-16 performed a show of force over a check point to discourage enemy activity. The JTAC confirmed the show of force achieved the desired affect.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 63 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.

Seventeen 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. 

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 180 airlift sorties were flown; 300 tons of cargo were delivered and approximately 5,500 passengers were transported.

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

On Sept. 17, Air Force and Royal Air Force tankers flew 53 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3 million pounds of fuel to 245 receiving aircraft.