July 13 airpower summary: C-17s provide airlift 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 July 13, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. 

In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped guided bomb unit-38s and cannon rounds on enemy positions in Gereshk. An Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II also fired cannon rounds at the targets. The on-scene Joint Terminal Attack Controller confirmed the weapons hit the targets. 

Strike Eagles released GBU-12s, 31s and 38s on anti-coalition targets in Jalalabad. The JTAC reported direct hits by employed weapons. 

A French Air Force Mirage 2000 accompanied by a Mirage F-1CR conducted successful show of force in Morghab. 

In Mukur, Thunderbolt IIs provided shows of force with multiple flares to deter enemy activity against a convoy preparing to leave a forward operating base. The JTAC reported the desired effects were achieved. 

In Kandahar, Strike Eagles released GBU-12s and 38s on insurgent firing on coalition forces. A JTAC confirmed the weapons successfully hit the target. 

In total, 42 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the 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 Royal Air Force aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance. 

In Iraq, an Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon dropped a GBU-12 on insurgents firing on coalition forces from a building in Baquba. A JTAC confirmed the building was destroyed. 

A Royal Air Force GR4 Tornado fired on a suspected improvised explosive device emplacement in Baghdad. However, a JTAC reported no secondary explosions could be confirmed. The fighters were then tasked to provide armed overwatch for a convoy near the area. 

An A-10 executed a show of force with flares for coalition forces receiving sniper fire. A JTAC reported the sniper fire had stopped after the flyover. 

Also in Baghdad, F-16s conducted counter-IED activities. 

Other F-16s conducted a show of force over Ad Diwaniyah for a convoy traveling through a historically active insurgent area. 

Tornados performed armed overwatch for a convoy in Baquba and Fighting Falcons conducted reconnaissance for coalition members preparing to conduct a raid in Yusufiyah. 

In total, coalition aircraft flew 67 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, five Air Force and Navy fighter 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 170 airlift sorties were flown; 543 tons of cargo was delivered, and approximately 2,112 passengers were transported. 

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

On July 11, Air Force, RAF, French and Republic of Singapore tankers flew 50 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.7 million pounds of fuel to 221 receiving aircraft.