June 6 airpower summary: F-16s provide overwatch in Iraq

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

In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles made multiple strafing passes, firing cannon rounds along a tree line and at enemy compounds near Garmsir. On every pass, the weapons hit their intended targets.

Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs strafed an area in Asmar with cannon rounds after coalition forces came under fire. The A-10s conducted shows of force over the area with good effects but coalition forces kept taking fire. The ground commander then ordered the strafing passes. The on-scene joint terminal attack controller called the strafing passes effective.

JTACs are highly trained U.S. Air Force and coalition personnel who advise ground commanders on appropriate air power support, relay the ground commander's intent to air power assets overhead and communicate with aircrews for precision engagement.

Also in Asmar, A-10s made strafing passes, firing cannon rounds at an enemy location. The passes were reported as successful. Other A-10s also made strafing passes in another area of Asmar.

F-15Es dropped guided bomb unit-38s on an insurgent building and a tunnel system in Gereshk. The attacks achieved the desired effect by permanently closing off the tunnel entrances.

Also in Gereshk, a Royal Air Force GR-9 Harrier conducted a show of force for coalition units battling insurgents around an enemy compound.

In total, 42 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

In Iraq, an RAF GR-4 Tornado looked for suspicious activity over Baghdad.

Also in Baghdad, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons watched over an area after an improvised explosive device was detonated. The aircrews passed along information on suspicious individuals lurking around the detonation site. The pilots also watched over Iraqi police near another large explosion.

F-16s also watched over a convoy struck by an IED in another area of Baghdad.

A-10s provided overwatch for a medical evacuation after a convoy was hit by an IED near Baquba. The pilots also monitored suspicious activity after a reported mortar attack in the area.

In Mosul, other F-16s watched over friendly forces preparing for a cordon and search operation. The ground forces did not receive any attacks while the F-16s were overhead.

An F-16 provided a show of force against IED emplacers in Al Muqdadiyah. The show of force was reported as successful causing the emplacers to flee the area.

U.S. Navy F/A-18 Hornets watched over an IED location in Balad until coalition forces arrived on the scene to diffuse the device.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 65 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.

Thirteen Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, seven Air Force, Navy and RAF 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 160 airlift sorties were flown; more than 685 tons of cargo were delivered, and nearly 2,390 passengers were transported. This included approximately 32,992 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On June 5, Air Force, RAF and French tankers flew 46 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.7 million pounds of fuel to 223 receiving aircraft.