Aug. 1 airpower summary: F-15Es provide close-air support

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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. 1, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle fired cannon rounds at enemy fighting positions near Bagram. A joint terminal attack controller confirmed the fighter struck the intended target.

Near Asadabad, a French Mirage 2000 accompanied by a Mirage F-1 released a guided bomb unit-12 on enemy forces. A JTAC reported the overall mission a success.
In Kabul, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II conducted a show of force to deter insurgents from attacking coalition ground forces. The fighter also provided armed overwatch in the area. A JTAC confirmed the flyover was successful.

Another A-10 provided overwatch for coalition forces attempting to locate insurgents in Gardez.

An F-15E performed a show of force over Gereshk to deter enemy activity in the area. The show of force achieved the desired effects.

In total, 37 close-air-support missions were flown in support of 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 provided overwatch for a convoy struck by an improvised explosive device, or IED, in Baghdad. The pilots also looked for a vehicle-borne IED in the area and monitored ground forces conducting a raid. A-10s also looked for a vehicle-borne IED and other suspicious activity in the area.

Other A-10s showed air presence in Baghdad after two IEDs detonated simultaneously on coalition vehicles. The shows of force were called successful by the JTAC.

An F-16 also provided a show of force to remind locals in Tall Afar that coalition forces were still in the area. The pilots also provided overwatch for ground forces in Mosul, Taji and Tikrit.

Other F-16s destroyed a truck with a GBU-12 in Samarra. The pilots disabled it first with cannon rounds and then hit it with the bomb. They also dropped a GBU-12 on and strafed insurgents with cannon rounds. The attacks were confirmed as successful. The whole engagement began with the F-16s looking into a suspected mortar position.

Another F-16 provided multiple shows of force with flares over Baquba and Bayji. The shows of force were to enforce the curfew throughout Baquba and to ward off suspicious individuals moving toward a disabled coalition vehicle in Bayji. The shows of force were reported as successful by the JTAC.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 45 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.

Twelve Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq.

Air Force C-130 Hercules 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, 530 tons of cargo were delivered and 2,180 passengers were transported. Airlift included approximately 33,200 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On July 31, Air Force, RAF and French tankers flew 49 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.6 million pounds of fuel to 204 receiving aircraft.