Aug. 9 airpower summary: Fighting Falcons ready to strike

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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 Aug. 9 according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer used flares to provide shows of force for ground forces in Gereshk and Tarin Kowt. The bomber's presence had good effects.

Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs fired cannon rounds at an enemy firing position in Now Zad. Earlier, the pilots provided a show of force over the area as well.

Also in Now Zad, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped guided bomb unit-38s on a compound and a tree line. An on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed the bomb drops as successful.

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.

A-10s strafed enemies in a trench near Garmsir with cannon rounds. The JTAC reported the rounds hit their intended targets.

An F-15E also strafed an enemy position in Sangin with cannon rounds. The attack had good effects.

In total, 34 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Eleven 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, a B-1 struck improvised explosive device locations with GBU-38s and GBU-31s near Salman Pak. The drops were reported as good hits by the JTAC. The aircrew also provided shows of presence in the area.

Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons destroyed a buried weapons cache in Al Iskandariyah. The pilots also watched over a raid and a medical evacuation in the area.

Another F-16 provided a successful show of force with flares against enemies firing at Iraqi police in Tikrit.

F-16s also watched over friendly forces in Al Mahmudiyah.

F-16s dropped a GBU-12 and fired cannon rounds at a group of insurgents who ambushed ground forces in Baqubah. The attacks resulted in good effects. The pilots also provided a show of force to protect a group of civilians making a pilgrimage to an area mosque.

Also in Baqubah, F-16s dropped GBU-12s on enemies hiding in a ditch. The insurgents had attacked friendly forces earlier and then fled to the ditch. The pilots also fired cannon rounds at those who fled the bomb attack. The engagements yielded positive results.

An A-10 provided a show of force with multiple flares during a convoy escort in Al Kut. The convoy did not encounter any problems after the A-10's show of force.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 55 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.

Seventeen Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, four RAF 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.

Some 138 airlift sorties were flown, 435 tons of cargo were delivered and 3,213 passengers were transported. Airlift included approximately 16,800 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Aug. 8, Air Force, French and RAF tankers flew 50 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.5 million pounds of fuel to 214 receiving aircraft.