June 22 airpower summary: A-10s provide support for ground forces

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations June 22, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan,  Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs dropped several guided bomb unit 12s, general-purpose 500 pounds bombs and used 30mm cannon rounds on enemy forces in Shkin. An on-scene joint terminal attack controller reported the weapons impacted the desired targets with good results.

Also in Shkin, F-15E Strike Eagles released GBU-12s on insurgents who engaged friendly forces and headed towards Pakistan. The weapons hit the desired target and requested result was achieved. Other F-15s provided armed overwatch surveillance and reconnaissance in the area.

In Garmsir, A-10s dropped GBU-12s, G-P 500 pound bombs and spent 30mm cannon rounds on insurgent and enemy bunkers in the area. The JTAC reported the targets were destroyed.

F-15s used GBU-38s, 12s, and expended 20mm cannon rounds in Delaram. The Strike Eagles also conducted multiple shows of force after coalition forces reported rocket-propelled grenades and small arms fire from a building. Ground forces marked the target with artillery rounds and smoke grenades. A pilot confirmed the highlighted area and all weapons hit intended target with desired effects.

Also in Delaram, F-15s conducted shows of force with flares over friendly forces positions. The shows of force were used to deter anti-coalition activity. A JTAC confirmed the shows of force successful. The fighters refueled with a KC-10 Extender, then provided armed reconnaissance.

A Royal Air Force GR-7 Harrier preformed intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance after an improvised explosive device attack in Delaram.

In Tarin Kowt, an A-10 showed presence with flares to increase insurgent electronic communication. The JTAC confirmed enemy transmissions were intercepted.

In total, 44 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the International Security Assistance Force 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 Fighting Falcon dropped a GBU-12 on a house used to trigger IED attacks while conducting counter-IED surveillance during Operation Arrowhead Ripper in Baquba. Other F-16s supporting the operation dropped GBU-38s and GBU-12s on enemy facilities. WSV confirmed the weapons hit the intended target; however, some failed to detonate. More F-16s conducted shows of force with flares and armed overwatch to protect coalition forces and prevent insurgents from resting. JTACs reported the flyovers as successful. The fighters also conducted counter-IED surveillance. Airpower for the operation was sustained through mid-air refueling by KC-135 Stratotankers and KC-10 Extenders.

In a deliberate strike, a B-1B released GBU-38s and GBU-31s on a stretch of road in Mahmudiyah. The JTAC reported the ground commander's intent was met and all munitions detonated on target.

An F-16 flying over Baghdad released a GBU-12 on a house where insurgents were engaging coalition forces with small arms fire. The JTAC declared the use of air power as successful. A U.S. Navy aircraft carrier based F/A-18 Super Hornet also over Baghdad conducted a show of force. The mission results are unknown.

F-16s conducted ISR and armed overwatch for a coalition convoy in the same area and watched for suspicious activity. A Thunderbolt II also searched for a vehicle suspected of firing on friendly forces. No significant activity was reported.

RAF Tornado GR4s performed shows of force with flares at the request of a JTAC through the ground forces commander as a convoy moved through Amarah. The convoy had suffered previous IED attacks. Super Hornets identified possible insurgents planting IEDs along the route and passed on the information.

An aircraft carrier based F/A 18 showed presence over a palm grove in Taji.

F-16s conducted surveillance over possible vehicle borne IED factories in Al Qurnah

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.

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 162 airlift sorties were flown; more than 632 tons of cargo was delivered, and approximately 1,780 passengers were transported. This included approximately 23,140 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On June 21, Air Force, RAF and Republic of Singapore air force aerial refueling crews flew 59 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.7 million pounds of fuel to 325 receiving aircraft.