July 4 airpower summary: B-1Bs provide bomber overwatch

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

In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs strafed enemy forces hiding in a tree line in Oruzgan. The on-scene joint terminal attack controller reported the rounds found their targets. The pilots also conducted shows of force to break enemy contact with coalition forces.

Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles performed shows of force, dispensing flares to deter insurgents from attacking a coalition convoy struck by an improvised explosive device in Kandahar.

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

Also in Kandahar, an A-10 successfully conducted a show of force with multiple flares over a convoy hit by an IED. No enemy attacks were reported on the convoy after the show of force.

F-15Es provided a show of force to get insurgents to give up their position near Kajaki Dam. The show of force was reported as successful.

An A-10 provided a show of force with flares to reassure friendly forces of an air presence in Asmar.

In total, 35 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, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped multiple GBU-38s on targeted buildings in Taji and Baghdad. The bombs destroyed the buildings.

Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons provided over watch for an explosive ordnance disposal team and monitored mortar positions in Baghdad. Pilots also monitored an area where homemade explosives were drying.

An RAF GR-4 Tornado conducted shows of force with multiple flares to disperse a crowd in Baghdad.

Navy F/A-18 Hornets provided a show of force with flares and provided overwatch to coalition forces in Salman Pak. The show of force was reported as successful by the on-scene JTAC.  F/A-18s also provided armed overwatch for ground forces in Bayji.

Also in Bayji, F-16s strafed IED emplacers with cannon rounds.

F/A-18s hit insurgents setting up a weapons position in Al Muqdadiyah with a GBU-38 and a Hellfire missile.  An Air Force MQ-1 Predator helped the F-18s target the insurgents for the strike. F/A-18s also conducted a successful show of force with flares over Basrah after a rocket was fired in the area.

A-10s provided shows of force over enemies firing on coalition ground forces in Mosul and Ramadi.

An F-16 provided a show of force, launching flares over a traffic intersection in Al Musayyib. There were no reports of attacks or enemy activity after the show of force.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 70 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions supported coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided overwatch 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.

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

On July 3, Air Force, RAF and Republic of Singapore tankers flew 50 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.1 million pounds of fuel to 239 receiving aircraft.