Sept. 4 airpower summary: F-15Es strike from above

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

In Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II struck enemies in a compound with cannon rounds near Ghazni. The on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed the rounds hit their targets.

Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles attacked enemy personnel and a building with guided bomb unit-38s and a GBU-12 in Gardez.

Other F-15Es attacked insurgents in a compound with cannon rounds near Kajaki Dam. One of the F-15Es provided a show of force with flares over the area to aid coalition forces exiting the area. Later, the F-15s engaged a firing position in Tarin Kowt with GBU-38s and GBU-12s. All the engagements were reported as successful.

A-10s strafed enemy positions in Tarin Kowt with cannon rounds. The JTAC confirmed good hits from the weapons. One of the A-10s conducted a successful show of force with flares over the area after the engagements.

Also in Tarin Kowt, An Air Force MQ-1B Predator hit enemy personnel with a hellfire missile. The insurgents had been firing automatic weapons at ground units prior to the strike.

F-15Es strafed a firing position with cannon rounds in Qalat. Later, the aircrew spotted a group of insurgents moving in the mountains. Confirmation was made that the group was indeed hostile. Then, the F-15Es dropped GBU-12s on them as well as strafed the area with cannon rounds.

Near Qalat, another F-15E conducted a show of force with flares to deter any enemy attacks on ground forces.

Other F-15Es dropped a GBU-38 and a GBU-31 on a small building and a cave entrance near Asmar. Insurgents fled to these positions after firing on friendly forces. Secondary explosions were observed from the cave entrance when the bomb impacted its target.

A-10s provided successful shows of force with flares over enemy positions to deter any attacks in Asmar and Kabul. One group of A-10s provided a convoy escort to a forward operating base.

An Air Force B-1B Lancer performed a show of force to warn enemies of a coalition presence in Gereshk.

In total, 41 close-air-support missions were flown in support of  ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

In Iraq, F-16 Fighting Falcons released a GBU-12 and GBU-38s on an enemy facility in Baqubah. A JTAC confirmed the bomb struck the target and the building was destroyed.

Also in Baqubah, F-16s released GBU-12s on a weapons cache. The aircraft also performed armed overwatch for coalition forces conducting a raid on an enemy facility.

F-16s released GBU-12s and a GBU-38 on a weapons cache discovered during a raid in Baghdad. A JTAC confirmed the cache was destroyed.

In Al Karmah, F-16s released GBU-12s on a vehicle-borne improvised explosive devise and fired cannon rounds at suspected IED emplacers. A JTAC confirmed direct hits in both strikes. Secondary explosions caused by explosive material in the vehicle were observed post strike.

F-16s conducted armed overwatch for a coalition convoy and looked for suspicious vehicles in Samarra and Bayji.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 67 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.

Nineteen Air Force and Navy 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 145 airlift sorties were flown; 435 tons of cargo were delivered, and approximately 4,500 passengers were transported.

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

On Sept. 3, Air Force, RAF and French tankers flew 55 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.1 million pounds of fuel to 270 receiving aircraft.