Aug. 29 airpower summary: KC-135 off-loads fuel for GWOT

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  Coalition airpower supported Coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations August 29, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped Guided Bomb Unit-38s and 31s on targets along a ridgeline in Asmar. The Joint Terminal Attack Controller confirmed the bombs hit their targets.

JTACs are highly trained U.S. Air Force and Coalition personnel who advise ground commanders on appropriate air power support, relay the ground commander's intent to air power assets overhead and communicate with aircrews for precision engagement.

Also in Asmar, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs strafed enemy personnel with cannon rounds. The JTAC confirmed the rounds found their targets.

Royal Air Force Harrier GR-9A fired rockets at enemies in a tree line near Gereshk. The JTAC confirmed a direct hit. The enemies had fired rocket propelled grenades at ground forces from a rooftop before fleeing to the tree line.

A-10s strafed enemies in Asadabad with cannon rounds. The Joint Terminal Attack Controller reported the rounds hit their intended targets. Another A-10 dropped a GBU-12 on enemies in the area as well.

Also in Asadabad, an F-15E hit an enemy fighting position with a GBU-31. The F-15E also provided a successful show of force over an area in Orgun-E.

F-15Es also conducted successful shows of force over hostile areas in Qalat.

An Air Force B-1B Lancer provided multiple shows of force with flares to break up a large group of insurgents attacking a police station in Qal-E-Naw.

In total, 38 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 Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, two Royal Air Force aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcons provided shows of force over areas in Baqubah. One of the flyovers was to try to gain control over an area after an improvised explosive device detonation.

Other F-16s watched over Coalition as well as looked for IED emplacers and weapons caches around Samarra and Salman Pak.

Near Baghdad, a Navy F/A-18D Hornet conducted a show of force with multiple flares in order to force the enemy to give up their location.

Another F-18 showed force with flares near a forward operating base in Al Kut.

Royal Air Force Tornado GR-4s provided shows of force over locations in Al Iskandariyah. One of the passes was to aid vehicles on their way to an area police compound.

F-16s also provided shows of force with flares to aid convoy movement through an intersection in Al Musayyib. The convoy moved through smoothly after the shows of force. The pilots also watched over a raid in progress.

In total, Coalition aircraft flew 68 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, five Air Force and Royal Air Force aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

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

Approximately 156 airlift sorties were flown; 312 tons of cargo was delivered, and approximately 4,905 passengers were transported. This included approximately 62,640 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On August 28, U.S. Air Force and Royal Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 48 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.5 million pounds of fuel to 222 receiving aircraft.