May 9 airpower: F-16s provide support to convoys

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

In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer conducted a show of force, firing multiple flares, to deter Taliban movement around a forward operating base near Gereshk. The aircrew also identified the location of enemy fighters preparing for a possible convoy ambush.

U.S. Navy F/A-18 Hornets conducted tactical reconnaissance for suspicious activities over Gereshk. 

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

Eleven 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 performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons provided overwatch for coalition vehicles moving to a raid in the Sadr City area near Baghdad. Three terrorists were killed in the raid and four more were detained, according to a news release issued by Multi-National Force-Iraq officials May 10.

After, the raid the F-16 pilots searched for improvised explosive devices and mortar activity. They relayed their findings to a joint terminal attack controller in the area.

While on a reconnaissance mission, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs followed a suspicious vehicle near Salman Pak. The pilots also investigated suspected indirect fire on an Iraqi police team.

Over Muqdadiyah, A-10s provided armed reconnaissance for coalition forces receiving small-arms fire from houses in the area. The pilots continued to watch over coalition forces as they raided the houses. The A-10s also passed along information of suspicious digging activity to a JTAC in the area.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 47 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, three, 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 150 airlift sorties were flown; more than 600 tons of cargo were delivered, and approximately 2,185 passengers were transported.

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

On May 8, Air Force, Republic of Singapore and RAF tankers flew 49 sorties and off-loaded almost 2.8 million pounds of fuel to 242 receiving aircraft.