June 29 airpower summary: Bombs on target

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SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations June 29, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, a Royal Air Force GR-7 Harrier hit a mortar attack position with Enhanced Paveway II munitions in Sangin. The mortar position was reported to be completely destroyed by the weapons.

U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped leaflet bombs over Tarin Kowt.

Other GR-7s fired rockets at Taliban members in a woodline in Sangin. Afterward, the pilots dropped a 540 pound bomb on the woodline to ensure all targets were eliminated.

A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped multiple Guided Bomb Unit-38s on entrenched insurgents firing at coalition forces. There were secondary explosions upon one of the bomb impacts indicating a weapons cache was hit.

A French Air Force Mirage 2000 conducted a show of force expelling flares over an enemy firing position in Sangin.

In Musa Qal'eh, a U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II dropped a GBU-12 on a building being used by insurgents. Afterward, the pilots strafed the building with cannon rounds. All of the weapons hit their intended targets. The A-10s also provided convoy escorts in the area.

In total, 40 close air support missions were flown in support of the International Security Assistance Force and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Ten U.S. 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, U.S. Navy F/A-18F Super Hornets provided shows of force with flares and provided overwatch to coalition forces in Baghdad.

Also in Baghdad, a Royal Air Force Tornado GR-4 conducted shows of force as a deterrent to the enemy. The shows of force were reported as successful by the Joint Terminal Attack Controller.

In Al Mahmudiyah, a B-1 dropped multiple GBU-38s and GBU-31s on enemy targets in the area. The bombs reportedly impacted the desired targets.

U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcons searched for enemy activity in Yusufiyah and Baghdad International Airport thereby enhancing ground capabilities.

F-16s also showed force over Al Muqdadiyah in support of ground forces in the area, discouraging further enemy attacks.

A-10s provided top cover for a quick response force and explosive ordnance teams in Taji and monitored a convoy in Al Muqdadiyah.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 69 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.

U.S. Air Force C-130s and C-17s provided intra-theater heavy airlift support, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 170 airlift sorties were flown; more than 550 tons of cargo was delivered, and approximately 1,515 passengers were transported. This included approximately 85,090 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan - the largest combined amount dropped in 2007.

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

On June 28, U.S. Air Force, Royal Air Force and Republic of Singapore Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 48 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.6 million pounds of fuel to 209 receiving aircraft.