July 26 airpower summary: Fighting Falcons hunt prey

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

In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer destroyed two enemy compounds in Gereshk with guided bomb unit-38s. The B-1 also dropped GBU-31s on insurgents moving in the area. The aircrew provided a show of force in the area as well.

Royal Air Force GR-9 Harriers dropped general-purpose 540 pound bombs on enemies in a building. The building was destroyed by the weapons. The pilots also fired rockets at enemies in a tree line and dropped enhanced Paveway II munitions on a trench system near a compound in the area. The munitions drop was confirmed as a direct hit.

Other GR-9s dropped Paveway II munitions on a tree line and a GBU-12 on a compound. Both were recorded as successful drops.

Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs strafed enemies in a tree line with cannon rounds. The pilots also dropped a GBU-12 on an enemy compound. All of the weapons had good effects.

In Gereshk, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped GBU-12s on an enemy bunker and a tree line. The aircrews also strafed the tree line near the bunker with cannon rounds. They also provided a show of force over an enemy mortar position to allow friendly forces movement within the area.

F-15Es hit an enemy compound in Garmsir with GBU-38s. The on-scene joint terminal attack controller reported the weapons impacted their targets.

A-10s dropped GBU-12s on an enemy compound in Baghran. Then the pilots dropped a 500 pound bomb on insurgents fleeing the compound. All of the drops were called as good hits. F-15Es hit another enemy compound with GBU-38s.

Also in Baghran, a B-1 dropped GBU-38s and GBU-31s on enemies in a tree line. Then, the aircrew dropped GBU-38s on a disabled Afghanistan National Army vehicle to keep insurgents from recovering the vehicle. The bomber also provided a show of force with flares for ground forces taking fire.

An RAF GR-7 Harrier conducted a successful show of force with flares for ground forces in Now Zad.

An A-10 dropped a 500-pound bomb on an observer relaying information to the enemy in Uruzgan. The pilots also conducted a show of force over the area.

In total, 48 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Twelve Air Force and RAF intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan.

In Iraq, a B-1 dropped GBU-38s and GBU-31s on a road in Baghdad being used by insurgents to move improvised explosive devices. In addition they dropped GBU-38s and GBU-31s on a palm grove containing IEDs.

Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons dropped GBU-38s and GBU-12s on a vehicle-borne IED factory as well as a weapons cache hidden in a tree line near Baghdad. The strikes were considered successful by the JTAC. Other F-16s dropped GBU-12s on enemies hiding in a ditch. The pilots watched over a helicopter strike in the area.

Other F-16s looked for mortar and IED activity in Baghdad, Bayji and Al Muqdadiyah. Additional F-16s showed force for ground forces moving in the area.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 49 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.

Fifteen Air Force and Navy 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 148 airlift sorties were flown, 363 tons of cargo were delivered and 2,684 passengers were transported. Airlift included approximately 10,000 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On July 25, Air Force, RAF and French tankers flew 56 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.7 million pounds of fuel to 230 receiving aircraft.