July 27 airpower summary: F-15Es provide overwatch

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

In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs dropped guided bomb unit-12s on enemy firing positions in Bari Kowt. Other A-10s fired cannon rounds at a firing position in the same area. The strike was ordered after insurgents ambushed friendly forces. All of the strikes had good effects.

Also in Bari Kowt, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped GBU-38s and GBU-31s on enemies near the A-10s strike area. The aircrews hit insurgents and a vehicle with GBU-12s. The Strike Eagles fired cannon rounds at insurgents hiding in a group of trees as well.

A Royal Air Force GR-9A and GR-7A  Harriers dropped Enhanced Paveway II munitions on enemies in a building in Gereshk. The pilots hit a building in the area with general purpose 540-pound bombs. The pilots also fired rockets at enemies in two separate tree lines in the area. The engagements were all reported as successful by the Joint Terminal Attack Controller.

Other GR-9s provided shows of force for ground forces leaving an area near Musa Qala. Communication from the battle reported that the enemy was reluctant to attack due to airpower overhead.

In total, 42 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Eleven Air Force and RAF 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 shows of force over a building and crowd in Karbala. The shows of force were to deter enemy attacks and to disperse the crowd. The pilots also provided overwatch of a convoy in the area.

Other F-16s provided a show of force over Bayji for a convoy patrol who had taken enemy fire.

F-16s monitored a group of improvised explosive device emplacers in Baghdad. The JTAC reported the building they were in and the F-16s monitored the building until the insurgents exited in a van and passed along the information to another flight. Then, once the insurgents were confirmed to be in the van, the F-16 destroyed it with a GBU-12.

Other F-16s conducted shows of force with flares over friendly positions in Baghdad. Both shows of force were called successful by the JTAC.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 48 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions supported coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided overwatch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Eighteen Air Force, Navy and RAF ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq.

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

Approximately 152 airlift sorties were flown; 334 tons of cargo were delivered, and nearly 1,518 passengers were transported. This included approximately 14,400 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 26, Air Force and RAF tankers flew 48 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.5 million pounds of fuel to 210 receiving aircraft.