Sept. 5 airpower summary: B-1B supports close-air missions

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

In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped guided bomb unit-38s and strafed enemies on a hillside near Kandahar. The aircrews also fired cannon rounds on another enemy compound and dropped GBU-12s and GBU-38s on enemy personnel and a vehicle in the area.

Other F-15Es attacked insurgents in a compound with GBU-38s and a GBU-12 near Kandahar. One of the F-15Es provided a show of force with flares to stop enemy fire in the area.

Also in Kandahar, another group of F-15Es provided shows of force with flares during a convoy escort. Then, one of the F-15Es dropped a GBU-38 on a mortar position near Oruzgan.

Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs struck an enemy firing position with cannon rounds near Asadabad. The joint terminal attack controller confirmed the rounds hit their targets. One of the pilots also conducted a successful show of force over the area. Other A-10s in the area monitored a small convoy that had come under fire.

Also in Asadabad, a French air force Mirage 2000 and a Mirage F-1 dropped GBU-12s on enemy personnel and provided shows of force over the locations. The engagements were ruled as successful by the JTAC.

Another Mirage 2000 provided a successful show of force with flares over a hostile area in Shkin.

A Royal Air Force GR-9 Harrier attacked enemies in a tree line and compound area with Enhanced Paveway II munitions and a general-purpose 540-pound bomb in Sangin. Enemy firing ceased after the strikes. The GR-9 provided overwatch for ground units exiting the area as well.

A-10s watched over a convoy unit in Kandahar and monitored a medical evacuation in Gereshk.

F-15Es dropped GBU-38s on enemy firing positions in Orgun-E. The JTAC confirmed the bombs had good hits.

Other F-15Es strafed enemy positions along a ridgeline in Tarin Kowt with cannon rounds. The JTAC confirmed good hits from the weapons. One of the F-15Es also dropped a GBU-38 on the position as well.

In total, 48 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the International Security Assistance Force and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Eleven 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 B-1B Lancer dropped GBU-38s on improvised explosive devices on a road in Baqubah. The bomber also dropped GBU-31s on roads being used by the enemy in Hawijah.

Also in Baqubah, F-16 Fighting Falcons watched a suspected IED trigger house and a coalition convoy.

A RAF GR-4 Tornado looked for IEDs throughout Baqubah.

Also in Baqubah, an A-10 provided a show of force with flares over an enemy compound.

An F-16 destroyed a roadside IED with a GBU-38 in Salman Pak. Meanwhile, other F-16s monitored a convoy moving through the area.

Other F-16s watched over a medical evacuation after a convoy was struck by an IED near Balad.

F-16s conducted shows of force to notify a town in Tall Afar that coalition air presence was in the area. Other F-16s provided shows of force over Bayji to keep enemies away during a medical evacuation.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 71 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.

Sixteen Air Force and Navy 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 155 airlift sorties were flown, 360 tons of cargo were delivered, and approximately 3,645 passengers were transported.

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

On Sept. 4, Air Force and RAF tankers flew 55 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.8 million pounds of fuel to 230 receiving aircraft.