July 29 airpower summary: Maintainers vital to mission

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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 July 29, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided shows of force with flares to deter any enemy attacks on a friendly forces position in Asmar. The shows of force were called successful by the on-scene joint terminal attack controller.

An Air Force B-1B Lancer provided shows of presence over coalition routes in areas around Gereshk.

A Royal Air Force GR-4 Tornado conducted a successful show of force against insurgents on a rooftop in Gereshk.

Also in Gereshk, a French Mirage F-1 dropped a guided bomb unit-12 on an enemy compound. The JTAC reported the drop as successful.

In Gereshk, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped GBU-38s and a GBU-12 on enemies in a tree line and a building. These strikes had good effects.

Other F-15Es dropped GBU-38s on a mortar firing position in Now Zad. The weapons hit their intended target. The aircrews also provided a show of force to deter any more enemy activity in the area.

A B-1 dropped GBU-38s and GBU-31s on an enemy mortar and machine gun position in Tarin Kowt. The targets were destroyed by the weapons.

An F-15E fired cannon rounds and dropped a GBU-12 on an enemy firing position in Lashkar Gah. The weapons were reported to have good effects by the JTAC.

In total, 41 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. Additionally, two RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons provided overwatch for a quick-response force helping friendly forces after an improvised explosive device detonation near Tikrit. Other F-16s looked for IEDs and monitored a possible weapons cache in Al Iskandariyah.

Also in Al Iskandariyah, A-10s watched over ground forces moving and conducting searches throughout the city.

F-16s searched for suspicious activity during a medical evacuation in Baghdad. Other F-16s looked for other activity in other parts of Baghdad and Taji.

An RAF GR-4 provided a show of force with flares for operations along a wooded area in Samarra. The pilots also watched over a convoy and an oil tanker.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 51 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, RAF 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 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 141 airlift sorties were flown, 523 tons of cargo were delivered and 2,085 passengers were transported. Airlift included approximately 59,760 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 July 28, Air Force, RAF and French tankers flew 46 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.5 million pounds of fuel to 224 receiving aircraft.