July 22 airpower summary: C-5s share the load

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

In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs dropped general-purpose 500-pound bombs on enemies on a ridgeline in Musa Qala. The on-scene joint terminal attack controller reported the weapons impacted their targets. One of the aircraft also conducted a show of force with flares against enemies in vehicles in the area. The vehicles changed direction after the show of force.

Also in Musa Qala, A-10s dropped guided bomb unit-12s on a compound and sniper positions. The drops were reported as direct hits. The pilots also fired cannon rounds at the compound and a weapons cache in the area. The strafing passes resulted in good effects.

Another A-10 provided a show of force with multiple flares to stop further insurgent attacks on ground forces in Orgun-E.

An Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle provided a show of force with flares to stop enemy activity in Shinkay. There were no more reports of enemy firing after the show of force. The aircrews also looked for other enemy firing positions in the area.

An F-15E also dropped a GBU-38 on a small compound and fired cannon rounds at an enemy tree line firing position in Garmsir. All of the weapons achieved the desired effect.
 
F-15Es dropped GBU-38s and a GBU-12 on an enemy compound in Sangin. Secondary explosions were seen after one of the passes. The aircrews also fired cannon rounds at insurgents trying to flank ground forces using a tree line.

In total, 37 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Eleven Air Force and Royal Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, two RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped multiple GBU-38s and GBU-31s on a building in Baghdad. The JTAC reported all bombs dropped resulted in direct hits.

Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons provided a show of force and overwatch in areas around Baghdad. The pilots monitored an explosive ordnance disposal team looking for a weapons cache and ground forces moving into an area. Other F-16s provided convoy escort in the area also. 

RAF GR-4 Tornados watched over ground forces searching a housing area in Bayji and tracked an individual trying to avoid capture.

Other GR-4s conducted shows of force over a building in Basrah. The shows of force were reported as successful. They also provided over watch for a convoy struck by an improvised explosive device.

Also in Basrah, a B-1 Lancer also showed force to disperse a group that was forming in the area. The group dispersed after the show of force.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 68 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 and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, two 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.

Approximately 140 airlift sorties were flown, 516 tons of cargo were delivered and 2,683 passengers were transported.

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

On July 21, Air Force, RAF and French tankers flew 55 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.1 million pounds of fuel to 246 receiving aircraft.