Aug. 7 airpower summary: Tankers extend fighter capabilities

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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 7 according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs dropped guided bomb unit-12s on enemies in Oruzgan. The pilots also provided a show of force over the area. The on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed the bomb drops and show of force as successful.

JTACs are highly trained 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 Oruzgan, a Royal Air Force GR-9 Harrier dropped enhanced Paveway II munitions on enemies in an open field. The JTAC reported the munitions drop was a direct hit.

Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped a GBU-38 and GBU-12s on enemy firing positions in Kajaki Dam. The aircrews also strafed another area with cannon rounds and performed a show of force to allow coalition forces to exit the area. All of the attacks resulted in good effects.

An A-10 provided a show of force with flares to stop an expected attack on coalition forces in Bermel. The JTAC reported the show of force as successful.

A pair of F-15Es dropped GBU-38s, a GBU-31 and a GBU-12 on an insurgent vehicle and compound in Sangin. The weapons hit their targets. The aircrews also provided a show of force to allow coalition forces to leave the area.

Other F-15Es dropped GBU-38s on enemies on a ridgeline near Asadabad. The weapon was dropped after coalition forces took small arms and rocket propelled grenade fire from the ridgeline.

In Tarin Kowt, F-15Es provided overwatch for a convoy and looked for a suspected weapons cache in the area and hit an enemy compound with a GBU-38.

In total, 38 close-air-support missions were flown in support of 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, an Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon provided a successful show of force for coalition forces under fire in Baqubah. The pilots also watched over two convoys moving through the area.

Another F-16 conducted a show of force over Basrah to reinforce an air presence in the area. The pilots also provided overwatch for friendly forces and vehicles moving in the area.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 50 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.

Sixteen Air Force, Navy and Royal Australian Air Force ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq.

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 128 airlift sorties were flown, 506 tons of cargo were delivered and 2,845 passengers were transported. Airlift included approximately 22,400 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. 6, Air Force and RAF tankers flew 45 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.3 million pounds of fuel to 201 receiving aircraft.