Aug. 23 airpower summary: F-16s provide coalition overwatch

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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 August 23, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs strafed enemies near Sangin with cannon rounds. The rounds successfully impacted their targets. The pilots also provided a show of force over the area as well.

A French Mirage 2000 and a Mirage F1C conducted shows of force with flares over areas in Gereshk. The on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed the shows of force were successful.

A Royal Air Force GR-9 Harrier provided overwatch for areas around Gereshk.

An Air Force B-1B Lancer provided shows of presence and air effects over coalition routes near Gereshk and Now Zad.

Also in Now Zad, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles conducted successful shows of force to stop enemy firing. One of the aircrews also dropped a guided bomb unit-38 on a mortar position near Oruzgan. The weapon successfully impacted the target.

An A-10 dropped a GBU-12 on enemies in Asadabad. The desired result was achieved. The pilots also successfully provided a show of force over Nangalam using flares to stop a possible imminent attack.

A Navy EA-6B Prowler provided a successful show of force with flares over an area in Orgun-E. 

A-10s conducted shows of force with flares over areas in Shkin and Jalalabad. The shows of force were to deter enemy attacks and reassure friendly forces.

In total, 45 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. Additionally, two RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons monitored the area after a Humvee was struck by an explosive projectile. The F-16s also watched over the medical evacuation that followed. Ground forces later destroyed the vehicle.

Other F-16s watched over an area after an improvised explosive device detonated near Balad. The pilots were looking for IEDs before the incident happened.

Navy F/A-18 Hornets conducted a show of force to stop mortar and small-arms firing in Samarra. The firing ceased after the show of force.

Other Hornets provided overwatch for monitored suspicious activity in Baghdad.

F-16s conducted successful shows of force with flares in Bayji over ground forces clearing a vehicle-borne IED detonation site when they came under small-arms fire.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 69 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.

Fifteen Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, five Air Force and Navy aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intratheater heavy airlift support, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa. More than 160 airlift sorties were flown, 620 tons of cargo were delivered and approximately 3,670 passengers were transported.

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

On August 22, Air Force, RAF and French tankers flew 54 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3 million pounds of fuel to 244 receiving aircraft.