June 30 airpower summary: F-16s provide close air support

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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 June 30, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II dropped a guided bomb unit -12 on a cave being used by insurgents near Qalat. The cave was destroyed by the weapon. Afterward, the pilot provided a show of force for a convoy with a disabled vehicle. The A-10s also provided overwatch for ground forces in the area.

A French Mirage 2000 conducted a show of force, dispensing flares over enemy forces in a trench in Kajaki Dam. The show of force was reported as successful by an on-scene joint terminal attack controller. 

JTACs are highly trained Air Force and coalition personnel who advise ground commanders on appropriate air power support, relay the ground commander's intent to air power assets overhead and communicate with aircrews for precision engagement.

Also in Kajaki Dam, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles provided overwatch for a convoy with a disabled vehicle.

A Royal Air Force GR-7 Harrier bombed a tree line in Kajaki Dam with a general-purpose 540 pound bomb and multiple rockets. Enemy forces were reported to be hiding in the tree line.

In Sangin, an F-15E dropped GBU-38s on an insurgent compound and vehicle. There was a secondary explosion near the car indicating possible enemy weapons destruction.

An A-10 dropped a GBU-12 on an enemy compound also in Sangin. The weapon impacted its target. The compound was targeted after friendly force took small-arms fire from the position.

An Air Force B-1B Lancer conducted a show of presence along a coalition route in Sangin.

A-10s also dropped a GBU-12 and a general-purpose 500-pound bomb on an enemy compound in Garmsir. Both bombs were reported to have good effects.

Also in Garmsir, other A-10s successfully conducted a show of force with multiple flares to disrupt any enemy activity in the area.

In total, 38 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 RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, A-10s dropped GBU-12s on a building in Baquba. The bombs destroyed the building where insurgents were reportedly hiding. The A-10s then strafed enemy targets hiding in a palm grove.

Also in Baquba, an Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon dropped a GBU-12 on a house suspected of being set up with an improvised explosive device. The house was destroyed by the bomb. The pilots also watched over ground forces clearing a two block area.

A U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet provided a show of force with flares and provided overwatch to coalition forces in Baghdad. The show of force was reported as successful by the JTAC. Other F/A-18s watched over suspicious activity in the area.

Also in Baghdad, an RAF GR-4 Tornado provided close-air support and reconnaissance for coalition forces in the area.

Other GR-4s conducted a show of force over Yusufiyah as a deterrent to crowds forming around an IED explosion. The pilots also searched for a truck suspected of carrying a mortar team.

F-16s watched over a police station struck by a suicide bomber in Al Muqdadiyah. Other F-16s looked for IED emplacers in Bayji.

In Taji, F-16s conducted shows of force supporting ground forces in the area. The shows of force were reported as successful. The pilots also monitored coalition raids.

F/A-18s showed force over a suspected insurgent location in Basrah. The show of force was called successful by the JTAC. 

In total, coalition aircraft flew 73 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 160 airlift sorties were flown, more than 680 tons of cargo were delivered and more than 3,125 passengers were transported. This included approximately 11,000 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On June 29, Air Force and RAF tankers flew 51 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.9 million pounds of fuel to 249 receiving aircraft.