June 24 airpower summary: Surveillance supports operations

  • Published
SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations June 24, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an F-15E Strike Eagle dropped guided bomb unit-38s and conducted a show of force near Asadabad. An on-scene joint terminal attack controller informed the pilot that coalition forces were taking mortar fire from a cave in the vicinity prior to the strike. All weapons hit the desired target with good effects.

Near Kajaki Dam, A-10 Thunderbolt IIs strafed a target with 30mm rounds and performed a show of force by expending flares for coalition forces receiving mortar fire. Also supporting the ground forces, a French Mirage 2000 and a Rafale released GBU-12s in the same area. The JTAC reported the overall mission a success.

In Garmsir, F-15Es conducted armed intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance on areas of interest for suspicious activity.

A-10s performed a show of force, releasing flares in support of Afghan national police taking fire in Sangin. After the show of force, a rocket-propelled grenade was fired at the aircraft. The pilot was instructed to conduct another show of force. The JTAC confirmed the flyover successful.

In Tarin Kowt, an A-10 conducted a show of force to pressure insurgents and deter enemy activity while friendly forces were in the area. Friendly forces intercepted information about a bomb-making factory and enemies gathering for an immediate attack. The show of force was considered successful by the JTAC.

In Kandahar, a B-1B Lancer showed presence over a coalition convoy that came under fire and over highways in the area. Forces were trying to haul a disabled vehicle in the area. The JTAC considered the mission a success. F-15Es also provided armed overwatch later that day for a friendly convoy that had previously taken RPG and enemy fire.

In total, 41 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, or ISR, aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, two Royal Air Force aircraft provided tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, F-16 Fighting Falcons participating in Operation Arrowhead Ripper released GBU-12s and GBU-38s on houses in Baquba suspected of containing improvised explosive devices. The buildings were reported as destroyed or major structural damage.

An aircraft carrier-based F/A-18 Super Hornet attempted to bomb a weapons cache with a GBU-38 during the same operation. The fighter released a GBU-12 on the weapons cache. The JTAC reported the weapon as a direct hit.

Also participating in the operation, an F-16 released a GBU-38 on a facility suspected of containing IED. A JTAC reported the weapon hit the intended target and a portion of the house destroyed. Weapon system video confirmed a secondary explosion caused by the IED.

Other F-16s and a B-1B involved performed shows of force across Baquba with flares to disrupt enemy sleep. Airpower for Operation Arrowhead Ripper was sustained through mid-air refueling by KC-10 Extenders and KC-135 Stratotankers.

An RAF GR4 Tornados performed shows of force with flares to stop indirect fire coming from a palm grove in Baghdad.  An F-16 conducted a show of force to protect a convoy taking fire by insurgents. A-10s performed shows of force with flares. A JTAC confirmed the flyovers as successful. An F/A-18 also conducted a show of force over the area, and was reported as successful.

Also in Baghdad, F-16s and F/A-18s conducted ISR and armed overwatch for coalition ground forces.

An F-16 in Taji conducted show of force with flares for coalition forces receiving small-arms fire. No result was reported. Another F-16 conducted a show of force for friendly forces, and conducted ISR for future raids

In Mahmudiyah, an F-16 performed a show of force over a vehicle and conducted counter IED surveillance.

F-16s flew overwatch for ground forces conducting a raid on Taji.

A-10s provide close air support in response to small arms fire in Samarra.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 72 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 161 airlift sorties were flown, more than 696 tons of cargo were delivered, and 3,077 passengers were transported. This included approximately 13,200 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On June 23, Air Force, RAF, French and Republic of Singapore tankers flew 48 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.8 million pounds of fuel to 250 receiving aircraft.