Tankers fuel the fight

Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in operations Aug. 10, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped guided bomb unit-38s and 12s on enemies and their vehicles in Qal' eh Now. The aircrew also conducted a show of force to help the joint terminal attack controller and others get to a safe location. The attacks were reported to have good effects.

Also in Qal' eh Now, French Air Force Mirage 2000 dropped GBU-12s on enemy personnel and a house. The pilots provided multiple shows of force with flares over the area. The total engagement was considered a success.

Other F-15Es dropped GBU-38s on an enemy firing position in Tarin Kowt. Afterward, the aircrew dropped a GBU-12 on an armed insurgent in the area. The Strike Eagles strafed a ridgeline with cannon rounds as well. The engagements were called successful by the JTAC.

Royal Air Force Harrier GR-7As picked up the engagement after the F-15Es left. The pilots reattacked the ridgeline with rockets. The enemy small arms fire ceased after the rocket attack. The pilots also provided a successful show of force over the area.

A Strike Eagle released a GBU-38 on an enemy firing position near a tree line in Sangin. A JTAC confirmed the bomb hit the intended target. The fighter also conducted a show of force to provide close-air support for coalition forces in Gereshk.

A-10 Thunderbolt IIs conducted shows of force to deter enemy activity near a forward operation base. A JTAC confirmed the desired results were achieved.

In total, 42 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Eight Air Force and Royal Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, two Royal Air Force aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, an Air Force B-1B Lancer provided a show of force with flares to make the enemy aware coalition forces were in an area of Al Kut. The show of force was called successful by the JTAC.

Royal Air Force Tornado GR-4s provided shows of force over areas in Baghdad and Al Qurnah. The shows of force were to deter enemies from firing on ground forces and to break up fighting between two local factions. Both shows of force were considered successful.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 50 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions supported coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided over watch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Fifteen Air Force, Navy and Royal Air Force ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, two Royal Air Force aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

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 166 airlift sorties were flown; 650 tons of cargo were delivered, and approximately 3,109 passengers were transported. This included approximately 15,600 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Aug. 9, U.S. Air Force, French Air Force and Royal Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 49 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.4 million pounds of fuel to 198 receiving aircraft.

Source :www.af.mil //11/2007 - SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN)

Photo: A KC-135 Stratotanker, assigned to the 22nd Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, sits on the flightline at Manas Air Base, Kyrgyzstan. The Stratotanker's air refueling mission greatly enhances the Air Force's capability to accomplish its primary missions of global reach and global power. It also provides aerial refueling support to Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps aircraft as well as aircraft of allied nations. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Paul Clifford)
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(13.08.2007)