Sept. 8 airpower summary: C-130s deliver cargo, warfighters

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

In Afghanistan, while providing overwatch for coalition forces near Kajaki Dam, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles struck an enemy compound with guided bomb unit-12s. Friendly forces had taken fire from the compound. Joint terminal attack controller confirmed the rounds hit their targets. The F-15Es also successfully attacked bunkers, buildings and a possible weapons cache with GBU-31s and GBU-38s.

Also in Kajaki Dam, a Royal Air Force GR-7 Harrier and GR-9 Harrier destroyed enemy compounds Enhanced Paveway II munitions. The pilots also attacked an enemy mortar base and trench system with munitions as well. Enemy fire ceased after the attack.

Near Deh Rawod, F-15Es dropped GBU-38s and a GBU-31 on a former Afghanistan national army post that had been taken over by the Taliban. The JTAC confirmed the weapons successfully hit the target.

F-15Es also provided successful shows of force with flares in Deh Rawod and Ghazni to deter enemy activity in the area.

A French air force Mirage 2000 struck a compound with a GBU-12 near Gereshk. The pilot then conducted a successful show of force.

Also in Gereshk, RAF GR-7s provided cover for coalition forces and conducted shows of force to deter enemy attacks.

In Asadabad, an Air Force B-1B Lancer destroyed enemy firing positions with GBU-31s.

Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs conducted shows of force near Kandahar and Orgun-E to deter attacks and discourage improvised explosive devices emplacements.

In total, 45 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Eight Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan.

In Iraq, F-16 Fighting Falcons successfully strafed enemy locations with cannon fire near Taji.

F-16s also performed shows of force with flares over Baquba, Bani Sa'd and Bayji. The shows of force were reported as successful by the JTAC.

Navy F/A-18 Hornets conducted armed overwatch for a coalition convoy near Taji and Al Mumaddiyah. While other F/A-18s monitored suspicious activities and looked for IED emplacers in Salman Pak.

An A-10 performed a show of force for a convoy exiting an area of Baghdad. There were no more attacks reported after the show of force.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 58 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.

Eighteen Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, seven Air Force, 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 130 airlift sorties were flown, 580 tons of cargo were delivered, and approximately 2,900 passengers were transported. This included approximately 23,014 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Sept. 7, Air Force and RAF tankers flew 55 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.2 million pounds of fuel to 264 receiving aircraft.