May 26 airpower summary: Transports strengthen coalition forces

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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 May 26, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, a U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer released a guided bomb unit-38 on an enemy compound near Asadabad. Coalition ground forces reported the strike as a direct hit. The B-1 also provided a show of presence over a coalition route in the area.

Also in Asadabad, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided multiple shows of force expelling flares for ground forces in the area. The joint terminal attack controllers called the shows of force successful. A-10s also escorted a convoy.

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.

Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles showed force with flares over Gruzgan to deter any anti-coalition activity in the area.

Other F-15Es performed shows of force firing flares over Ali Serzai. The JTAC, who requested the strike, reported the shows of force as successful.

F-15s monitored suspicious activity and vehicles in Garmsir. The aircrews also monitored a convoy firing on an enemy compound. Afterward, the F-15s escorted the convoy back to their forward operating base.

In total, 47 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Thirteen Air Force and Royal 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, a U.S. Navy F-18C Hornet provided a show of force over Al Basrah. The show of force was to disperse a large crowd of armed individuals. The JTAC reported the show of force as successful. 

Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons showed force over Baquba to break up some small arms fire in the area. F-16s also looked for improvised explosive devices.

In Samarra, F-16s watched over coalition forces after an IED attack. The pilots were also tasked to monitored suspicious vehicles and personnel relating to the IED attack.

RAF GR-4 Tornados performed shows of force dispensing flares for coalition forces taking small arm fire in Baghdad. The pilots also searched for suspicious activity, suspicious vehicles and IED emplacers.

Also in Baghdad, F-16s monitored a convoy struck by an IED and watched a suspected vehicle-borne IED. The pilots passed the coordinates of where the vehicle stopped to the ground commander. Soon after, ground forces raided the location. The F-16s watched over the raid as well.

F-16s monitored the surrounding area around Baghdad after a car bomb explosion. The pilots also watched for people leaving a cordon and search area of the city. Other F-16s supported ground forces taking fire and looked for IEDs along coalition routes throughout Baghdad.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 52 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, Navy and RAF 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 147 airlift sorties were flown; 480 tons of cargo were delivered, and approximately 3,075 passengers were transported.

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

On May 25, aerial refueling crews from the United States, RAF, French and Republic of Singapore flew 54 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.9 million pounds of fuel to 246 receiving aircraft.