July 2 airpower summary: C-17s provide needed supplies

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

In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer successfully showed force over a convoy with disabled vehicles in Orgun-E. 

An Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II conducted a show of force with multiple flares over Sangin to get insurgents to reveal their position. The show of force was reported as successful by the on-scene joint terminal attack controller. 

In Feyzabad, other A-10s successfully conducted a show of force with multiple flares to provide coverage for coalition forces. 

An Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle provided a show of force for coalition forces in Tarin Kowt. The aircrews also monitored ground forces movement and surrounding caves for suspicious activities. 

In total, 39 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-10s dropped guided bomb unit-12s on a downed helicopter to ensure nothing could be used by the enemy in Baghdad. The pilots also strafed the anti-aircraft artillery machine gun responsible for the down helicopter with cannon rounds. The A-10s also strafed enemies hiding in a ditch near the downed helicopter. All of the weapons hit their intended targets. The helicopter was destroyed. 

Later, an Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon hit the anti-aircraft gun responsible for the downed helicopter with GBU-38s. 

Also in Baghdad, F-16s conducted shows of force with multiple flares over a vehicle on fire. F-16s also watched for improvised explosive device emplacers and monitored an area after an explosion. 

A-10s provided shows of force to disrupt and prevent enemy attacks around Baghdad. There were no reports of enemy attacks in the area after the shows of force. 

A RAF GR-4 Tornado provided shows of force with multiple flares as an enemy deterrent and to disperse a crowd forming in Baghdad. The pilots also watched over a vehicle hit by an IED. 

In Al Musayyib, A Navy F/A-18 Hornet provided a show of force with flares and provided overwatch to coalition forces. The shows of force were reported as successful by the JTAC. 

F-16s watched over ground forces in Samarra and Yusufiyah. 

An F-16 provided a show of force over a coalition convoy moving through Mosul. There were no more reports of small-arms fire after the show of force. The pilots also monitored a convoy moving through Baquba. 

Other F-16s provided shows of force for ground forces moving throughout Baquba. The pilots also watched insurgent movement and passed on their coordinates to ground forces. 

In total, coalition aircraft flew 74 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. 

Approximately 178 airlift sorties were flown; 650 tons of cargo was delivered, and some 2,090 passengers were transported. The airlift included nearly 34,921 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan. 

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

On July 1, Air Force and RAF tankers flew 50 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.8 million pounds of fuel to 238 receiving aircraft.