June 25 airpower summary: Tankers bring fuel to fight

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

In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs fireed 30mm cannon rounds on an area in Sangin used by insurgents for re-supply. The fighters also conducted shows of force to break enemy contact with coalition forces.

Later that day, a Royal Air Force GR-7 Harrier provided a show of force for a convoy receiving small arms fire.

Near Kajaki Dam, F-15E Strike Eagles dropped a guided bomb unit-12 and a GBU-38 on anti-coalition firing positions.  An on-scene joint terminal attack controller said the weapon hit the intended target and the desired effect was achieved.

In Orgun-E Kalan, A-10s released GBU-12s on insurgents and conducted a show of force, expending flares. The mission deterred the enemy from conducting further attacks on coalition forces. A JTAC reported the close-air support as successful because friendly were not re-engaged. Other A-10s released general purpose 500-pound bombs on enemy forces in the area.

F-15Es released GBU-12s on a compound after coalition forces observed insurgent activity around the area. A JTAC reported the weapons hit the target and the desired effect was achieved.

In Feyzabad, A-10s conducted a show of force, expending flares over a compound in the area while performing armed overwatch for a convoy. The JTAC reported the show of force successful.

A French Mirage 2000 accompanied by a Rafale conducted a show of force over a ridge line in Asmar.

A B-1B Lancer showed presence along a highway in Gardez.

Air power for operations in Afghanistan was sustained through aerial refueling by KC-10 Extenders and KC-135 Stratotankers.

In total, 42 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 provided tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, a B-1B released GBU-38s and GBU-31s in Baghdad, targeted at IEDs. A JTAC reported the weapons strike as a direct hit and secondary explosions caused by IED were observed. The B-1B also conducted a show of force in Basrah with flares to support Iraqi Army forces.

Also in Baghdad, an aircraft carrier-based F/A-18 Hornet performed a show of force and conducted armed overwatch

In Bayji, an F/A-18 performed a show of force with flares to deter possible insurgents. A JTAC confirmed the flyover as successful.

An F-16 Fighting Falcon provided a show of force for coalition forces repairing a wall damaged by enemy. Crews had come under sporadic small arms fire. Other F-16s, A-10s and an RAF GR4 Tornado provided close-air support for the structural repair team.

In Balad, the Tornado also conducted a show of force with flares to protect a convoy struck by an IED. The flyover was reported as successful.

Other GR4s performed shows of force with flares to disperse a crowd converging on burning vehicles in Basrah. The flyover was reported as successful.

F/A-18s provided a planned show of force in Taji.

A-10s in Samarra protected a convoy receiving small-arms fire from insurgents.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 75 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 143 airlift sorties were flown; more than 498 tons of cargo were delivered, and nearly 2,800 passengers were transported. This included approximately 10,200 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 24, Air Force, RAF and Republic of Singapore tankers flew 51 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.7 million pounds of fuel to 253 receiving aircraft.