June 13 airpower summary: Tankers add 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 13, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle conducted a successful show of force to deter further enemy activity in Togha-ye Bangi. The aircrew also watched over a convoy in the area.

In Kandahar, a Royal Air Force GR-9 Harrier fired rockets and an enhanced Paveway II munition at an insurgent firing position in a tree line. The pilots also conducted shows of force along the tree line. An on-scene joint terminal attack controller called the drops and shows of force successful.

Another GR-9 performed shows of force over an enemy compound in Kajaki Dam to force the insurgents out into the open. The shows of force proved successful as the JTAC witnessed the insurgents exiting the compound.

In Garmsir, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II dropped a guided bomb unit-12 on a small enemy compound. There were secondary explosions after the weapon hit the compound. All enemy activity around the compound stopped after the bomb detonated. The pilot also strafed enemies hiding under a bridge. The strafing also had good effects.

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 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 multiple shows of force, launching flares over Basrah. The shows of force were provided to disperse gathering insurgents and to support a coalition roadblock.

Also in Basrah, A-10s successfully showed force over insurgents firing rocket-propelled grenades.

An Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon provided a show of force over suspicious individuals around a mosque in Bayji.

An RAF GR-4 Tornado watched over areas in Taji.

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

In Baghdad, an A-10 provided a show of force to disperse a crowd that had formed around a coalition convoy stopped due to an unexploded IED. After the successful show of force, coalition forces conducted a controlled detonation of the IED.

Also in Baghdad, F/A-18s monitored coalition forces and spotted an IED emplacer. The pilots passed along the information to ground forces in the area. Other F/A-18s watched over a convoy in Baghdad.

F/A-18s also watched over convoys and looked for IEDs in areas around Balad.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 63 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 155 airlift sorties were flown, 705 tons of cargo were delivered, and 2,388 passengers were transported. This included approximately 34,160 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On June 12, Air Force, RAF and French tankers flew 48 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.8 million pounds of fuel to 242 receiving aircraft.