June 11 airpower summary: Airlifters key to troop resupply

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

In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped guided bomb unit-12s on enemy targets. The weapons impacted their targets.

Other F-15Es conducted shows of force to deter enemy activity near Sangin. There were no attacks reported after the shows of force.

An Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II dropped a GBU-12 on an enemy compound in Tarin Kowt, successfully destroying the building and a vehicle.

Also in Tarin Kowt, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped GBU-38s on an enemy compound. The weapons were reported as good hits. The aircrew also conducted shows of presence, launching flares over coalition routes as well.

Royal Air Force GR-7 Harriers fired rockets at insurgents in a tree line in Kajaki Sofla after coalition forces received heavy fire from the area. The rockets struck their targets.

A French Mirage 2000 parovided a show of force, launching flares over a stopped convoy in Orgun-E.

In total, 40 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Ten U.S. Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, two RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, A-10s strafed a vehicle with cannon rounds in Baquba. The vehicle was completely destroyed after the strafing passes.

Also in Baquba, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons searched for insurgents involved in a improvised explosive device detonation on a bridge.

Other F-16s dropped GBU-38s and a GBU-12 on a targeted building in Muqdadiyah. The building was attacked because coalition forces were receiving heavy fire from inside.

Also in Muqdadiyah, an F-16 engaged the same building attacked earlier with a GBU-12. The weapon drop was successful.

In Baghdad, an F-16 provided a show of force, launching flares for coalition forces after a rocket-propelled grenade attack. The pilots also watched over a convoy in the area.

U.S. Navy F/A-18 Hornets monitored suspicious activity and provided overwatch for ground forces in Al Iskandariyah. No attacks were reported while the F-18s were overhead.

F-16s conducted a show of force for ground units in Samarra.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 50 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, seven 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, more than 625 tons of cargo were delivered and nearly 1,535 passengers were transported. This included approximately 34,160 pounds of troop resupply 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 10, Air Force, RAF, French and Republic of Singapore tankers flew 50 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.1 million pounds of fuel to 259 receiving aircraft.