April 10 airpower: Airmen keep watch in the fight

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNEWS) --  U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released the airpower summary for April 10.

In Afghanistan April 9, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-38s on an insurgent position in an open area near Asadabad. The weapons directly hit the target according to a joint terminal attack controller aligned with the coalition ground forces.

JTACs are highly trained Airmen 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.

Another B-1B provided shows of force, releasing multiple flares, in support of a coalition forces convoy receiving enemy fire after it struck an improvised explosive device near Qalat.  A JTAC reported that a low-flying-altitude show of force proved to be successful.

Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped GBU-38s on insurgent firing positions on the north and south side of a building near Kajaki Dam. A JTAC confirmed that the building was completely destroyed, and enemy fire in the area ceased.

Other F-15Es provided a show of force, releasing multiple flares to end insurgent activity and the gathering of insurgent forces near Asadabad. A JTAC, having called in the air component to meet the coalition ground commander's objectives, reported that it was successful.

U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornets dropped GBU-38s on insurgents near Qalat. The F/A-18s also fired cannon rounds on insurgents in the same area. A JTAC confirmed the weapons hit the desired target. A show of force, with the release of multiple flares, was also performed by the pilots in the same area. The JTAC confirmed good effects from the F/A-18 engagement.

Another F/A-18 provided a show of force over a coalition convoy position near Sahidan. A JTAC reported that it produced the coalition ground commander's desired effect.

In total, 43 close-air-support missions were flown in support of International Security Assistance Force 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 Navy and Royal Air Force fighter aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided reconnaissance in support of a coalition ground commander for suspicious insurgent activity near Bayji. The pilots reported more than 15 barrels and two vehicles in a compound. The pilots surveyed the area later and reported the barrels and vehicles were no longer present.

At the request of a coalition ground commander, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons provided armed overwatch of a coalition convoy as it traveled over multiple routes near Mosul. The pilots also performed a counter-IED mission over several coordinates in the same area. They reported coordinates for a possible IED to the ground commander via the unit's JTAC.

An F/A-18 dropped a GBU-38 on an insurgent small-arms position on a rooftop near Baqubah. A JTAC confirmed the building was destroyed.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 68 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions supported coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided overwatch of reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Fourteen Air Force, Navy and RAF ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, Air Force, Navy 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 160 airlift sorties were flown; nearly 315 tons of cargo were delivered, and approximately 2,330 passengers were transported.

Coalition C-130 crews from Australia and Canada flew in support of OIF or OEF.

On April 8, Air Force, RAF and French tankers flew 43 sorties and off-loaded nearly 2.9 million pounds of fuel.