July 5 airpower summary: Tankers fuel coalition airpower

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

In Afghanistan, a French Mirage 2000 dropped guided bomb unit -12s on enemy personnel hiding in a valley in Asadabad. The weapons impacted their targets.

An Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped GBU-38s and GBU-31s on enemy targets also in Asadabad. The drops achieved the desired effects.

Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs hit insurgents in Asadabad with GBU-12s. The weapons hit their intended targets. The pilots also conducted shows of force with flares to keep enemies from attacking ground forces in the area.

Other A-10s provided shows of force with flares to deter any attacks in that area and establish an air presence for a convoy passing an improvised explosive device detonation site in Jalalabad. The shows of force were reported as successful. They also provided escort for the convoy as well.

Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped GBU-39s, GBU-38s and GBU-12s on enemy positions along a ridgeline and a compound in Tarin Kowt. The aircrews also strafed enemies in a tree line with cannon rounds.

F-15Es hit an enemy mortar position with GBU-38s near Kajaki Dam. The JTAC reported the weapons hit their intended target. The pilots also conducted a show of force to try and flush out any insurgents still in the area.

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, a B-1 dropped GBU-38s and GBU-31s on enemy targets in Baghdad. The preplanned attack resulted in good effects.

Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons provided a show of force for ground forces taking small arms fire in Baghdad. There were no reports of firing in the area after the show of force. Other F-16s monitored unusual activity in the area as well.

An A-10 dropped a GBU-12 on IED emplacers and a possible weapons cache in Tarmiyah. The weapons cache was destroyed.

F-16s provided over watch for vehicles destroyed by an IED in Salman Pak. The pilots also watched over the medical evacuation and quick response unit that arrived to help in the aftermath of the explosion.

Another F-16 dropped a GBU-38 on a deeply buried IED in Salman Pak.

U.S. Navy F/A-18 Hornets provided over watch in Baquba and Iskandariyah.

Another F/A-18 performed a successful show of force with flares for ground forces in Baghdad.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 70 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 intratheater heavy airlift support, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 165 airlift sorties were flown and approximately 6,925 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On July 4, Air Force, RAF and Republic of Singapore aerial refueling crews flew 52 sorties and off-loaded approximately three million pounds of fuel to 247 receiving aircraft.