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Coalition airpower supports ground troops
 Coalition airpower integrated with Coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations Sept. 30, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. An Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle struck buildings in an enemy compound in Garmsir with Guided Bomb Unit-31s and GBU-38s. The Joint Terminal Attack Controller reported the buildings were destroyed Another F-15E engaged enemies in Garmsir, with a GBU-12 to cease hostile activity. The JTAC confirmed the weapon hit the target and enemy activity was halted. An Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II used a general-purpose 500-pound bomb and cannon rounds against enemies in Garmsir. The JTAC confirmed the munitions hit the targets and the desired result was achieved. An Air Force MQ-1B Predator fired a hellfire missile at enemy personnel hiding in a tree line in Lashkar Gah. The strike was reported as successful. In Qal A Nah, A-10s struck and enemy building and enemy personnel with general-purpose 500-pound bombs and cannon fire. The JTAC confirmed the munitions hit the targets and the desired affect was achieved In Asadabad, F-15Es strafed enemy positions with cannon rounds to halt enemy fire. The JTAC the rounds hit the target and the enemy fire ceased. In Farah, an A-10 conducted a show of force to reassure Coalition forces and to make air presence known. In total, 41 close air support missions were flown in support of the International Security Assistance Force and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols. Eleven Air Force and Royal Air Force 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 F-16 Fighting Falcon conducted a show of force in Al Muqdadiyah to deter enemy fire. An F-16 used a GBU-38 to destroy an enemy building in Baqubah. The JTAC reported the strike was successful. In Baghdad, Air Force F-16s targeted a Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device in a building with GBU-38s and a GBU-12. The JTAC reported the target destroyed. A Navy F/A-18 Hornet conducted a show of force with flares over Al Muqdadiyah to suppress enemy mortar fire. The JTAC reported the show of force was successful. Near Najaf, another F-18 used a show of force to prevent the loading and unloading of material from a suspicious vehicle. The desired result was achieved. In total, Coalition aircraft flew 70 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. Nineteen Air Force, Navy and Royal Australian Air Force ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, seven Air Force, Navy and Royal Air Force aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance. U.S. Air Force C-130s and C-17s provided intra-theater heavy airlift support, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa. Approximately 190 airlift sorties were flown; 640 tons of cargo were delivered, and 3,400 passengers were transported. This included approximately 28,200 pounds of supplies air-dropped in Afghanistan in order to re-supply ground forces. Coalition C-130 crews from Australia, Iraq, and Korea flew in support of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq. On Sept. 29, U.S. Air Force and Royal Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 50 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3 million pounds of fuel to 250 receiving aircraft. Posted by: Fred 2007-10-02 |
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