June 1, 2 airpower summary: Airlift key to mission success

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

In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles conducted shows of force dispensing multiple flares over Mowshkheyl. The joint terminal attack controller reported the shows of force served their specific purpose of deterring enemy activity. The F-15Es also watched for suspicious activities in the area.

In Gereshk, Royal Air Force GR-9 Harriers watched over coalition convoys and supported ground forces advancing on an insurgent compound in the area. 

An A-10 Thunderbolt II provided a show of force with flares to keep a coalition convoy from being attacked in Orgun-E. There were no attacks reported after the show of force. A-10s also monitored a coalition convoy stopped by an improvised explosive device. The A-10s escorted the convoy to their forward operating base.

Other A-10s strafed an enemy observation point with multiple cannon rounds in Asmar. The location was used for a mortar attack on a convoy earlier. A coalition helicopter also helped in the attack. The attack was reported successful. An Air Force B-1B Lancer monitored the A-10s attack on the observation point.

A B-1B also performed a show of presence with multiple flares to disperse a crowd in Asadabad. The JTAC reported the crowd separated after the show of presence.

In total, 37 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

In Iraq, an A-10 conducted a show of force expelling multiple flares. The A-10 also provided overwatch looking for suspicious activity. 

Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons provided overwatch and monitored suspicious activity. Then one of the F-16s helped an Army AH-64 Apache lock on to insurgents hiding in a stadium in Baghdad. The F-16 pinpointed the target -- then the Apache hit it with a Hellfire missile. The target was reported as destroyed. The F-16 pilots also watched over a raid in the area.

Also in Baghdad, F-16s provided armed overwatch for a vehicle struck by an IED.

Other F-16s watched over coalition routes and looked for IEDs in Muqdadiyah and Balad.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 62 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.

Seventeen Air Force, Navy and Royal Australian Air Force ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, five Air Force 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 145 airlift sorties were flown, 534 tons of cargo was delivered, and approximately 2,755 passengers were transported. This included approximately 7,065 pounds of troop supplies airdropped in Afghanistan.

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

On June 1, Air Force, RAF, French air force and Republic of Singapore air force tankers flew 45 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.8 million pounds of fuel to 234 receiving aircraft. 

June 1 summary 

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the ISAF in Afghanistan in the following operations June 1, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10s released a GBU-12 bomb and general-purpose 500 pound bombs on an enemy compound after strafing the area near Musa Qal'eh several times with 30mm cannon rounds. The warplanes were providing close-air support for coalition ground forces engaged in a fire fight with insurgents. The JTAC confirmed the targets were destroyed. No coalition forces were reported injured in the attack.

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

Also in Musa Qal'eh, F-15Es performed a show of force to ward off possible insurgent activity from a route coalition forces planned to travel.

Near Morghab, a French air force M-2000 Mirage performed a show of force and expended flares on vehicles suspected to be hostile. The show of force was reported as successful by a JTAC on the ground.

A B-1B performed a show of force while attempting to deter incoming insurgents near Asadabad. Afterward, the B-1B provided a show of force and armed reconnaissance for a coalition convoy struck by an improvised explosive device.

In total, 39 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Ten Air Force and RAF ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, one RAF fighter aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, an F-16 dropped a GBU-12 on a vehicle borne IED near Tall Afar. The destruction of the VBIED prevented coalition forces from being harmed.

A Navy F-18 Hornet performed a show of force and released flares over an area near Bayji. The JTAC confirmed the show of force was successful. The pilot also conducted armed reconnaissance over Salmon Park.

Another F-18 conducted a show of force and expended flares around Basrah in an attempt to secure an area for a medical evacuation. A JTAC reported the mission was successful. The F-18 also conducted non-traditional intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance for suspicious activity.

Also in Salmon Park, an A-10 performed overwatch and searched an area for possible insurgent activity. The pilot reported weeds burning in the vicinity, but no insurgents.

Near Baquba, Navy F-18 Super Hornets conducted NTISR.

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.

Eighteen Air Force, Navy and Royal Australian Air Force ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, six Navy and RAF fighter aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

Air Force C-130s and C-17s provided intra-theater heavy airlift support, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 130 airlift sorties were flown, more than 520 tons of cargo was delivered, and approximately 3,514 passengers were transported. This included approximately 11,622 pounds of troop supplies airdropped in Afghanistan.

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

On June 1, Air Force, RAF and French air force tankers flew 46 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.8 million pounds of fuel to 223 receiving aircraft.