Airpower Summary for July 17

Courtesy Photo | U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Angie Beckstead, a crew chief from the 452nd Maintenance...... read more read more

Courtesy Photo | U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Angie Beckstead, a crew chief from the 452nd Maintenance Squadron, refuels a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., June 12. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Rick Sforza)  see less | View Image Page

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

07.17.2007

Courtesy Story

United States Air Forces Central           

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U.S. Central Command Air Forces Public Affairs

SOUTHWEST ASIA — Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations July 17, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped Guided Bomb Unit-38s, 31s, and 12s on enemy targets in Jalalabad. The joint terminal attack controller confirmed the bombs impacted their targets.

An Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II conducted a show of force over Ghazni to reassure friendly forces and civilians an air presence was in the area.

Another A-10 strafed insurgents hiding in a tree line with cannon rounds in Tarin Kowt. The cannon rounds hit their intended targets.

F-15Es provided successful shows of force to deter enemy activity in Now Zad and Garmsir.

In total, 38 close air support missions were flown in support of the International Security Assistance Force and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Twelve U.S. 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, multiple Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons provided overwatch for a convoy struck by an improvised explosive device hidden in a culvert in Samarra.

An A-10 also watched out for the disabled convoy in Samarra and monitored coalition forces that were destroying a truck in Al Muqdadiyah.

An F-16 dropped a GBU-38 on a building being used by snipers in Khan Bani Sad. The weapon destroyed the building. The F-16 also provided cover for the medical evacuation involved with the improvised explosive device that exploded earlier in Samarra.

A Royal Air Force Tornado GR-4 provided a successful show of force with flares over a building containing insurgents in Baghdad. The pilot also provided overwatch for a helicopter that had taken small arms fire in Yusufiyah.

Also in Baghdad, an F-16 conducted a show of force to stop insurgent attacks. The show of force was ruled as successful as the attacks stopped and individuals left the area.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 43 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.

Seventeen Air Force, Navy, Royal Air Force 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 123 airlift sorties were flown; 403 tons of cargo was delivered, and approximately

1,556 passengers were transported. This included approximately 9,500 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 July 16, U.S. Air Force, Royal Air Force, French Air Force and Republic of Singapore Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 52 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3 million pounds of fuel to 252 receiving aircraft.