April 26 airpower summary: Transports keep cargo flowing

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

In Afghanistan, an Air Force B1-B Lancer dropped a guided bomb unit-31 on a mortar position that fired on coalition forces near Asadabad. The bombs hit the desired target according to an on-scene joint terminal attack controller.

A U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet dropped a GBU-12 on an insurgent observation post near Tarin Kowt.  A JTAC confirmed the weapon hit the desired target.

Near Ghazni and Sangin, other F/A-18s provided shows of force for coalition forces in contact with insurgents. A JTAC confirmed good effects. The aircrews then continued to provide overhead presence and security and no further attacks were reported.

Royal Air Force GR-7 Harriers fired rockets and dropped an enhanced Paveway II laser guided bomb and a 540 pound air-burst bomb on insurgents in a tree line near Gereshk. The insurgents were firing on coalition forces from that area. A JTAC confirmed weapons were successful and the engagement ended.

French M2000 Mirages provided a show of force over a Taliban outpost near Tarin Kowt.  A JTAC confirmed it was successful. The aircrews surveyed the movement of people and vehicles to and from a nearby compound.

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

Eight Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, four U.S. Navy and RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons provided overwatch for coalition forces returning to their Humvees near Samarra. The pilots conducted reconnaissance of improvised explosive devices in the area.

Other F-16s provided overwatch for wounded coalition forces being evacuated near Baghdad. The pilots then conducted reconnaissance for IEDs and reported a hot spot, measuring one meter, nearby.

Near Baqubah and Samarra, F-16s conducted reconnaissance for IEDs along multiple routes. The F-16s also provided overwatch for coalition forces in contact with insurgents.

Other F-16s provided overwatch for a coalition convoy near Baqubah. The pilots then performed a show of force, releasing multiple flares, for nearby coalition forces in contact with insurgents. 

RAF GR-4 Tornados provided overwatch for coalition forces and searched for fleeing insurgents and snipers near Yusufiyah. The aircrews also provided reconnaissance for suspicious activity along nearby routes.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 46 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions supported coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, watched over 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. More than 155 airlift sorties were flown; more than 400 tons of cargo were delivered, and approximately 3,400 passengers were transported. This included about 7,800 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

Coalition C-130 crews from Australia, Japan and South Korea flew in support of OIF or OEF.

On April 25, Air Force, French and RAF tankers flew 45 sorties and off-loaded more than 2.5 million pounds of fuel.