Aug. 17 airpower summary: JSTARS provide ground surveillance

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in operations Aug. 17, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped multiple guided bomb unit-38s and GBU-31s on an enemy bunker in Jalalabad. The joint terminal attack controller confirmed the drops as successful.

Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs fired multiple cannon rounds at enemies in Jalalabad. The pilots also released a GBU-12 near the insurgents.

In Asmar, Air Force B-1B Lancers dropped multiple GBU-38s and GBU-31s on enemy firing positions. The JTAC reported good hits from the bomb drops.

F-15Es attacked enemy firing positions with cannon rounds and a GBU-38 in Gereshk. The aircrew also performed a show of force over a known enemy stronghold. The engagements were all reported as successful.

Another F-15E dropped a GBU-31 on an enemy firing position in Kajaki Dam. The aircrew also performed a show of force over an enemy position to keep them from attacking. The show of force proved successful.

More F-15Es provided a show of force and presence over a convoy with a disabled vehicle in Bermel. There were no attacks reported after the F-15Es passed over.

Navy EA-6B Prowlers provided shows of force over locations in Shinkay and Khowst.
In total, 45 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

In Iraq, an Air Force MQ-1B Predator unmanned aerial vehicle damaged a ground unit used to aim and fire rockets with a hellfire missile in Basrah.

Navy F/A-18F Super Hornets looked for suspicious activity and vehicles around Baghdad.

An Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon provided a show of force over a sniper position in Tarmaiyah. The sniper fire ceased after the show of force.

Navy F/A-18C Hornets provided a show of force with flares and convoy escort in Numaniyah.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 69 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions supported coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided overwatch for reconstruction activities and helped deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

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

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

Approximately 142 airlift sorties were flown; 484 tons of cargo were delivered and approximately 2,526 passengers were transported. This included approximately 27,640 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

On August 16, U.S. Air Force, French air force and Royal Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 63 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.2 million pounds of fuel to 254 receiving aircraft.