May 11-12 airpower: F-15Es hit insurgent compound

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNEWS) --  Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations May 11 and 12, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, a U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer executed shows of force, releasing multiple flares, in support of coaltion forces near Gardez. After the second show of force, a joint terminal attack controller confirmed that the ground commander's intent had been met.

U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs performed shows of force, expending multiple flares, near Asadabad. The pilots also provided overwatch in the area for coalition ground forces per the request of the unit's JTAC.

Near Sangin, U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles conducted a show of force over a village to deter enemy activity. The F-15s then provided overwatch for a coalition convoy until it reached a forward operating base in the area. Later, the JTAC aligned with coalition ground forces requested that the pilots perform reconnaissance of the area after reports of a large group of Taliban crossing a river.

U.S. Navy F/A-18 Hornets provided overwatch and reconnaissance of suspected targets in areas near Sangin and Oruzgan.

In total, 52 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the International Security Assistance Force 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, four U.S. Navy and Royal Air Force aircraft provided tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, an F/A-18 dropped a guided bomb unit-12 and fired multiple cannon rounds on insurgents who fired upon a patrol near Al Jazirah. The airstrike was reported as successful in that the desired effects were achieved.

Near Samarra, U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon pilots led coalition ground forces to a location of suspected enemies. A weapons cache was found and suspects were captured in the raid that followed. The pilots provided a show of force and armed overwatch for ground forces receiving small arms fire. The show of force was declared successful as the enemy disengaged. The pilots later performed armed overwatch for an Iraqi fuel convoy taking fire in the area.

Also in Samarra, other F-16s provided shows of force, releasing multiple flares in support of Coalition forces hit by an improvised explosive device and taking small arms fire. The F-16s also provided overwatch for unexploded ordnance and a suspected anti-Iraqi forces safehouse.

Near Iskandariyah, a single-ship F-16 performed a show of force with multiple flares to disperse a group of individuals on the ground. The JTAC reported the show of force as successful. After the F-16 rejoined another, the two-ship watched over the area for IED and mortar activity.

Other F-16s provided armed overwatch for a coalition raid and a quick response force team that was assisting a Coalition convoy with an IED detonation near Yusufiyah.

Near Baquba, F-16s identified for a military patrol a hotspot on a route and searched a palm grove where Coalition forces discovered a weapons cache. Also in the area, F-16s provided overwatch of pockets of multiple small arms fire.

In Tall Afar, F-16s watched over coalition forces conducting weapons cache exploitation.

Near Baghdad, A-10s provided overwatch for coalition ground forces receiving small arms fire. The pilots also searched for insurgent and mortar activity.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 45 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 U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq.

U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intra-theater heavy airlift support, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa. Approximately 150 airlift sorties were flown; more than 655 tons of cargo were delivered, and approximately 2,600 passengers were transported. This included more than 32,210 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On May 10, U.S. Air Force and Royal Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 40 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.2 million pounds of fuel to more than 180 receiving aircraft.

May 12 airpower summary

In Iraq F -16s assisted in the search for missing U.S. Soldiers near Mahmudiyah. The F-16s also provided overwatch for ground forces in the area participating in the search.

In Baghdad, F-16s provided armed overwatch and escort to a convoy struck by an IED and receiving small-arms fire. The convoy successfully reached a forward operating base. The F-16 pilots also provided overwatch for coalition forces conducting a raid in Baghdad. The pilots reported to ground forces that they had spotted small arms fire coming from rooftops in the area.

Also in Baghdad, F-16s provided a show of force and overwatch for convoys receiving RPG attacks and small arms fire. The show of force was reported successful and insurgents were seen fleeing the area.

Other F-16s investigated various suspicious vehicles, personnel and activities around Baghdad.
 
A B-1 crew provided a show of force, releasing multiple flares in support of coalition ground forces. The JTAC reported the show of force was successful and enemy forces broke contact with Coalition forces.

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.

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.

Fourteen U.S. Air Force ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, three U.S. Navy and RAF fighter aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Afghanistan, F-15E Strike Eagles hit an insurgent compound with GBU-38s and cannon rounds. A JTAC requested the strike after receiving small arms and rocket propelled grenade attacks from the compound.

Other F-15Es dropped a GBU-38 on an insurgent position near Banow. The JTAC reported a direct hit.

A B-1B Lancer provided a show of force for a coalition convoy who took fire near Kajaki Dam. After the show of force, there were no more reports of small arms fire.

U.S. Navy F/A-18A Hornets conducted a show of force, expelling multiple flares over an enemy position near Oruzgan. The JTAC in the area reported the show of force as successful. Other F/A-18s performed a show of force over an area in Tarin Kowt. It was also reported as successful.

French Air Force Mirage 2000 fighters performed reconnaissance over a highway and successfully escorted a coalition convoy.

In total, 49 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Ten U.S. Air Force ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, four U.S. Navy and Royal Air Force aircraft provided tactical reconnaissance.

C-130s and C-17s provided intra-theater heavy airlift support, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa. Approximately 151 airlift sorties were flown; and 439 tons of cargo were delivered, and approximately 2,500 passengers were transported. This included more than 14,152 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On May 11, U.S. Air Force, Royal Air Force and Republic of Singapore Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 47 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.7 million pounds of fuel to 229 receiving aircraft.