Aug. 25 airpower summary: coalition fighters support ground forces

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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 August 25, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs destroyed a mortar firing position and a building in Now Zad with a general-purpose 500 pound bomb and a Guided Bomb Unit-12. The pilots also fired cannon rounds at the mortar position. The A-10s conducted successful shows of force over areas in Musa Qal' eh.

Another A-10 provided a show of force with flares to deter any enemy attacks on friendly forces in Garmsir. The A-10 achieved the desired effect.

Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles conducted multiple shows of force with flares to ward off enemy attacks throughout Gereshk. The JTAC confirmed the shows of force as successful. The aircrews also looked for suspicious activities and improvised explosive devices in the area.

In total, 40 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

In Iraq, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons used GBU-38s to destroy an IED trigger house in Baghdad.

Also in Baghdad, A-10s conducted successful shows of force with flares over three targeted areas.

Another A-10 performed armed overwatch for coalition ground forces in Baqubah.

Near Tikrit, F-16s destroyed another IED trigger house with GBU-38s. One of the F-16s also provided a successful show of force to emphasize the coalition presence in the area.

A Royal Air Force Tornado GR-4 dropped Enhanced Paveway II munitions on insurgents who fled to a building after attacking locals in Al Iskandariyah. The weapon was reported to have hit the target and achieved the desired effect.

Navy F/A-18C Hornets monitored suspicious individuals and activities in Salman Pak.

An Air Force B-1B Lancer performed a successful show of force with flares over an area in Basrah.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 72 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 RAF ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, four Navy aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

Air Force C-130 Hercules and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intratheater heavy airlift support, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa. Approximately 135 airlift sorties were flown; 535 tons of cargo were delivered, and approximately 3,594 passengers were transported. This included approximately 36,400 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 24, Air Force, RAF and French aerial refueling crews flew 54 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.9 million pounds of fuel to 234 receiving aircraft.