Sept. 15 airpower summary: C-130s keep troops supplied

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Sept. 15, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. 

Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles struck two enemy buildings in Gereshk with guided bomb units to stop enemy fire. Additionally, one of the pilots targeted enemy firing positions in a tree line with GBU-38s.The joint terminal attack controller confirmed the strikes were successful.

In Kandahar, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided armed overwatch for a convoy.

F-15Es conducted shows of force to discourage enemy activity around an over turned coalition vehicle in Deh Rawod. The shows of force were reported as successful by the JTAC.

A Royal Air Force Harrier GR-7A and GR-9A conducted shows of force to deter enemy attacks on convoys in Uruzgan and Farah. The shows of force were successful.

Other RAF GR-7A and GR-9As in Uruzgan conducted shows of force over a compound coalition forces were preparing to search. The JTAC confirmed the show of force successfully deterred enemy activity.

In total, 43 close air support missions were flown in support of the International Security Assistance Force and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Seven Air Force 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 Falcons destroyed an explosive laden house in Baghdad with a GBU-38.

An Air Force B-1B Lancer targeted a weapons cache near Basrah with GBU-31s. The JTAC confirmed weapons hit the target.

Another B-1B dropped GBU-31s on a road and bridge being used by the enemy in Baghdad. The aircrew also targeted a road in Salman Pak with GBU-38s. The JTAC reported good hits.

F-16s provided overwatch for a convoy in Baghdad.

In Samarra, A-10s searched for enemies and provided overwatch of a mosque.

An F-16 in Al Kut conducted a show of force with flares to discourage enemies from engaging a convoy passing through Namuniyah. The JTAC confirmed the show of force was successful.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 50 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.

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

Air Force C-130 Hercules and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intra-theater heavy airlift support, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 155 airlift sorties were flown; 460 tons of cargo were delivered, and approximately 4,400 passengers were transported. This included approximately 12,050 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.
Coalition C-130 crews from Australia, Iraq, and Canada flew in support of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.
On Sept. 14, Air Force, and RAF aerial refueling crews flew 54 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.1 million pounds of fuel to 243 receiving aircraft.