Aug. 6 airpower summary: Tankers ready to go

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

In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle dropped a guided bomb unit-12 on a weapons cache in Sangin. The on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed the bomb hit its target.

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.

Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs strafed enemies near Oruzgan with cannon rounds. The JTAC reported the strafing passes as successful.

An F-15E provided a show of force to deter enemy activity in Gereshk. No attacks were reported after the aircraft passed over.

In total, 36 close-air-support missions were flown in support of 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. Additionally, two RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, two pairs of Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons dropped GBU-38s and GBU-12s on enemy targets in Baquba. The F-16s targeted insurgents hiding in a tree line. All of the targets were reported as destroyed. 

RAF GR-4 Tornados provided multiple shows of force to stop enemies who had attacked a convoy earlier in Basrah.

Also in Basrah, F-16s watched over an area where a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device had detonated in the center of a town.

A-10s strafed an IED emplacement site in Baghdad with cannon rounds. The JTAC reported good hits. Also in Baghdad, F-16s provided overwatch for a post IED attack.

A-10s also watched over a convoy hit by an IED in Samarra.

An Air Force B-1B Lancer conducted shows of force over an area in Al Kut that had been attacked recently. No attacks were reported after the shows 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.

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

Approximately 160 airlift sorties were flown, 631 tons of cargo were delivered and 3,233 passengers were transported. Airlift included approximately 21,000 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On August 5, Air Force, RAF and French tankers flew 50 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.4 million pounds of fuel to 205 receiving aircraft.