Aug. 4 airpower summary: F-16s fly close-air support

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Aug. 4 according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles hit enemy firing positions with guided bomb unit-38s in Kajaki Dam. The bombs successfully connected with their intended targets. They also performed successful shows of force to help coalition forces withdraw from an area near Kajaki Sofia.

Another F-15E provided a show of force to reassure ground forces of air support in Kabul and Farah. Another conducted a show of force to reveal enemy fighting positions in Bagram. All of the flybys were considered successful.

An Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II dropped a general-purpose 500-pound bomb on an enemy mortar position in Asadabad. The joint terminal attack controller reported the bomb had good effects.

In total, 41 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Nine 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, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons destroyed dirt bridges with GBU-38s in Baghdad.

Other F-16s destroyed a house used to store improvised explosive devices with GBU-38s and GBU-12s in Baghdad. Later, one of the aircraft also provided a show of force for ground force taking fire in the area.

Also in Baghdad, another F-16 provided a successful show of force for a convoy taking fire. They also watched for suspicious activity near the convoy.

A RAF Harrier GR-4 dropped Enhanced Paveway II munitions on a deserted building in Baghdad. The pilots also provided a show of force with flares for ground forces in the area. The JTAC reported the show of force and bomb drop as successful.

F-16s provided overwatch for a convoy disabled by an IED in Bayji. Another group of Fighting Falcons monitored an IED clearing team that had come under enemy fire.

In Al Iskandariyah, F-16s provided a show of force and overwatch for friendly forces taking small arms fire. There were no reports of continued fire after the show of force.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 48 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. Additionally, four RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

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

Approximately 139 airlift sorties were flown; 499 tons of cargo were delivered, and approximately 3,100 passengers were transported. This included approximately 6,930 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Aug. 3, U.S. Air Force, RAF and French aerial refueling crews flew 50 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.5 million pounds of fuel to 230 receiving aircraft.