July 1 airpower summary: C-130 airlift keeps mission going

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

In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs conducted shows of force over two convoys in Jalalabad. One of the convoys was under fire from insurgents, while the other was disarming an improvised explosive device.

Also in Jalalabad, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles destroyed an enemy with guided bomb unit-31s and 12s.

F-15Es passed along the coordinates of an enemy bunker in Orgun-E. The aircrews also looked for any other suspicious activity.

An Air Force B-1B Lancer monitored areas around Garmsir.

Also in Garmsir, other A-10s successfully conducted a show of force with multiple flares to disrupt any enemy activity, and provided continuous coverage of coalition forces.

Other A-10s provided shows of force with flares over a convoy in Gardez with a disabled vehicle. The on-scene joint terminal attack controller reported the desired effect was achieved.

In Nowzad, an A-10 provided a show of force with multiple flares for a village that was under attack. Later the pilots watched over a large convoy moving through the area.

In total, 36 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 conducted shows of force for ground forces near Baquba. The shows of force were reported as successful.

Also in Baquba, an F-16 a dropped a GBU-38 on a location suspected of being an IED trigger location. The location was destroyed by the bomb. The pilots also watched over the strike area after the drop.

In Baghdad, F-16s conducted shows of force for friendly forces taking fire and watched over a cordon and search area.

U.S. Navy F/A-18 Hornets provided shows of force with flares and provided overwatch to coalition forces. The shows of force were reported as successful by the JTAC.

An RAF GR-4 Tornado provided a show of force with multiple flares as an enemy deterrent in Baghdad.

An F-16 dropped a GBU-12 on a van near a tree line in Muqdadiyah. The bomb destroyed the van and created secondary explosions.

F/A-18s watched over ground forces in Balad.

F-16s hit buildings in Diwaniyah with GBU-38s and GBU-12s. The bombs destroyed the buildings that were suspected of being the point of origin for earlier mortar fire. The F-16s also provided overwatch of a raid in the area where explosive materials were found.

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.

Approximately 150 airlift sorties were flown, more than 690 tons of cargo were delivered and 2,635 passengers were transported. The airlift included approximately 77,485 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 June 30, Air Force and RAF tankers flew 49 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.1 million pounds of fuel to 251 receiving aircraft.