Sept. 11 airpower summary: Airlifters resupply daily

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

Royal Air Force GR-9 Harriers attacked enemies on a hillside in Qalat with rockets and a general purpose 540-pound bomb. The on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed the weapons were a direct hit and the desired affect was achieved.

An Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle provided a show of force with flares in Sangin to deter enemy activity. The JTAC confirmed the show of force was successful.

In Bagram, another GR-9 provided a show of force with flares to stop enemy small-arms fire and rocket propelled grenade attachks on a coalition convoy. The JTAC confirmed the show of force was successful

Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs employed 30mm cannons against multiple enemy fighting positions in Asadabad. The JTAC confirmed the rounds hit the intended targets. One pilot provided a show of force with flares to deter further enemy activity. The JTAC confirmed the show of force was successful.

While defending coalition forces under enemy fire near Orgun-E and Now Zad, an Air Force B-1B Lancer destroyed an enemy mortar position, a compound and caves with guided bomb units-31s. The aircrew also successfully targeted another enemy position with a GBU-38. The JTAC confirmed the hits.

F-15Es attacked enemies engaging coalition forces near Deh Rawod with GBU-12s, a GBU-38 and cannon fire. The JTAC confirmed the attacks hit their targets. The aircrews also provided a show of force expelling flares over the area as well.
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In total, 45 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Ten 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, A-10s fired cannon rounds on insurgents trying to escape from a search being conducted by Iraqi Police and U.S. forces in Balad.

A B-1B destroyed with GBU-31s and GBU-38s an enemy weapons cache and a road in Baghdad being traveled by insurgents. The aircrew also dropped GBU-31s and 38s on a building being used by the enemy.

Continuing the engagement, A-10s also hit the building with GBU-38s. The building was destroyed by the strikes.

F-16s attacked a mortar position in Baghdad with GBU-12s.

Also in Baghdad, RAF GR-4 Tornados successfully attacked with enhanced Paveway II munitions an enemy vehicle suspected of carrying mortars and other weapons. The aircrew also provided surveillance of a suspicious vehicle in the area.

Navy F/A-18 Hornets attacked a mortar position with GBU-12s in Baghdad. The pilots also conducted shows of force to provoke an enemy response. The attack and the shows of force were determined successful. The pilots also watched over a raid and looked for improvised explosive device emplacers.

In Yusufiyah, A-10s provided armed overwatch while ground forces conducted a search for an enemy sniper.

F-16s destroyed an enemy truck in Salman Pak with a GBU-12 in an area historically used as a weapons cache. Additionally, they fired 20mm cannon rounds against enemies running from the area. The JTAC confirmed the hits.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 69 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, Navy and RAF ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, six 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 160 airlift sorties were flown, 430 tons of cargo were delivered and nearly 4,775 passengers were transported. Airlift included approximately 50,380 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Sept. 10, Air Force, French and RAF tankers flew 58 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3 million pounds of fuel to 270 receiving aircraft.