June 14 airpower summary: A-10s deliver massive firepower

  • Published
SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations June 14, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer provided shows of force, launching flares for a convoy that had taken small-arms fire in Tarin Kowt. The aircrew also showed force with flares over Ganjabad. An on-scene joint terminal attack controller called the shows of force successful.

Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped guided bomb unit-38s on two large buildings being used by insurgents in Sangin. The drops were reported successful. The aircrews also strafed enemy forces hiding in treeline. The JTAC reported the fired rounds hit their target.

Also in Sangin, a French Mirage 2000 and a Rafale fighter dropped GBU-12s on enemy targets. The bombs were reported to have good effects.

A Royal Air Force GR-9 Harrier conducted shows of force in Garmsir to cover ground forces withdrawing from the area.

A B-1 conducted shows of presence along a highway from Kabul to Kandahar. The shows of presence were reported as successful.

F-15Es monitored suspicious activity around Gereshk.

Another F-15E dropped a GBU-12 on an enemy compound in Oruzgan being used as a firing position. The aircrew also watched over a convoy and ground forces moving through a village in the area.

In total, 39 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, U.S. Navy F/A-18 Hornets conducted shows of force, firing flares over enemy firing positions in Basrah.  The desired effect was achieved. The pilots also watched over coalition forces that had secured an undetonated vehicle-born improvised explosive device in Taji.

Also in Basrah, F/A-18s successfully showed force over insurgents firing on ground forces.

Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons watched over ground forces taking small-arms fire, and searched for a possible vehicle-borne IED near Baghdad International Airport. The pilots also monitored suspicious activity around a bridge in the area.

An F-16 provided a show of force to deter small-arms fire on ground forces. The show of force was deemed successful.

Also in Al Muqdadiyah, F-16s looked for IED emplacers and other suspicious activity.

Also in Taji, F/A-18s conducted multiple shows of force with flares against insurgents firing on coalition forces. The shows of force were reported as successful by the JTAC.

In Taji, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs strafed an enemy vehicle with cannon rounds. The rounds hit their target causing secondary explosions. Then the pilots monitored an IED triggerman from the point of detonation to an insurgent safe house. The A-10s stayed overhead as coalition forces raided the safe house. The raid resulted in several insurgents captured.

F-16s provided successful shows of force releasing multiple flares over a civil disturbance around Balad.

In Baghdad, F/A-18s monitored a known arms trafficking point for unusual activity.

F-16s dropped a GBU-12 and fired multiple cannon rounds at a moving truck in Samarra. The pilots disabled the truck and Army AH-64 Apaches destroyed the vehicle.
In total, coalition aircraft flew 67 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 141 airlift sorties were flown; 407 tons of cargo was delivered, and some 2,580 passengers were transported. This included approximately 42,955 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 13, Air Force, RAF, French and Republic of Singapore tankers flew 52 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.9 million pounds of fuel to 245 receiving aircraft.