June 9 airpower summary: B-1B Lancer flies close-air-support missions

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations June 9, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped guided bomb unit-38s on a vehicle carrying weapons in Taghaz. The vehicle was destroyed. The aircrews also conducted shows of force with flares over insurgents in Kajaki Dam and for a convoy in Oruzgan.

Other F-15Es dropped GBU-38s on enemy vehicles in Taghaz. The aircrews also dropped GBU-12s on a building in the area. The drops were all reported as successful.

Also in Taghaz, a Air Force MQ-1B Predator fired a hellfire missile at an enemy car that was partially damaged by the F-15's GBU drop. The car was destroyed by the missile.

An Air Force B-1B Lancer conducted multiple shows of force and presence over areas near Bala Morghab. No attacks were reported after the Lancer passed over the area.

Another B-1 conducted shows of force and presence over areas near Qalat. All of the shows of force and presence were reported as successful.

A Royal Air Force GR-9 Harrier provided a successful show of force firing multiple flares over Kandahar.

In total, 41 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Twelve U.S. Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan.

In Iraq, an Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon provided a show of force with multiple flares to break up a crowd in Balad. The show of force was requested to clear a route for coalition forces in the area. It was ruled a success as the crowd vacated the area afterward.

In Al Kut, F-16s dropped GBU-12s on a coalition vehicle to ensure the nothing of value could be used by the enemy.

F-16s conducted overwatch for ground forces and helicopters investigating a target area in Baquba.

Other F-16s searched for suspicious activity in Banisa.

In Mosul, F-16s conducted a show of force to break up a meeting of insurgents. The crowd broke up after the show of force. The pilots also conducted overwatch for a convoy and monitored improvised explosive device emplacers.

A B-1 conducted a show of presence over Ad Diwaniyah and monitored a possible vehicle-born IED triggerman.

U.S. Navy F/A-18C Hornets monitored suspicious activity in Karbala.

F-16s watched over friendly forces taking fire in a village near Baghdad.

Also in Baghdad, F-16s conducted a show of force with multiple flares to break up a crowd surrounding a disabled Humvee. The crowd dispersed after the show of force. The pilots also watched over coalition forces that had taken small arms fire.

Also in Balad, an F-16 dropped a GBU-38 on insurgents in a palm grove after the individuals attacked coalition forces who were moving in the area. The weapon impacted its target.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 61 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 and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intratheater heavy airlift support, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa. Approximately 136 airlift sorties were flown; 545 tons of cargo was delivered, and approximately 2,490 passengers were transported. This included approximately 6,600 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On June 9, aerial refueling crews from the Air Force, RAF, French and Republic of Singapore flew 48 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.9 million pounds of fuel to 249 receiving aircraft.