July 8 airpower summary: Predators provide wary eye

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan troops during operations July 8, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs strafed enemy positions in Qal' A Naw. Pilots relayed important information about suspicious activity as ground forces moved into a marketplace area. Additionally, A-10s monitored friendly forces movement in Gereshk.

Also in Gereshk, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle provided a show of force to ensure insurgents were aware of air presence. The aircrews monitored ground forces and searched compounds for suspicious activity as well.

A-10s provided a show of force with multiple flares to reassure coalition and civilian personnel of air power presence in Sangin.

Other A-10s made multiple strafing passes on enemy positions in Asmar. An on-scene joint terminal attack controller reported the cannon rounds hit the intended targets. The pilots also provided convoy escort in the area. Other A-10s looked for enemy activity in Garmsir.

An F-15E dropped a guided bomb unit-38 on insurgents in an open field in Asadabad. The weapon impacted its intended target.

A French Mirage 2000 conducted shows of force with multiple flares over Kabul and Asmar. There were no reports of attacks after the shows of force.

In total, 33 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 Royal Air Force aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons dropped GBU-38s on a truck to ensure it could not be used as an improvised explosive device in Baghdad.

Also in Baghdad, RAF GR-4 Tornados watched over a convoy taking small-arms fire.

F-16s provided shows of force to deter enemy activities in Baghdad. The shows of force were reported as successful. Other F-16s watched over coalition forces and looked for IEDs in the area.

F-16s also monitored friendly forces in Balad and Baquba.

A-10s conducted a show of force, releasing multiple flares for a convoy taking fire in Tarmiyah. It was reported that the enemy contact broke after the show of force. The A-10s remained on the scene and provided overwatch for another convoy in the area.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 38 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 140 airlift sorties were flown, more than 540 tons of cargo were delivered and 2,595 passengers were transported. Airlift included approximately 28,000 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On July 7, Air Force, RAF and Republic of Singapore tankers flew 50 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.9 million pounds of fuel to 242 receiving aircraft.