Airpower Summary for July 21

Photo By Samuel Morse | The thunderous roar of twin afterburners tears through the evening sky as an F-15E...... read more read more

Photo By Samuel Morse | The thunderous roar of twin afterburners tears through the evening sky as an F-15E Strike Eagle takes off on, July 15. The F-15E Strike Eagle is a dual-role fighter designed to perform air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.  see less | View Image Page

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

07.21.2008

Courtesy Story

United States Air Forces Central           

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By the U.S. Air Forces Central Command Public Affairs Office

SOUTHWEST ASIA - Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations, July 21, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle dropped guided bomb unit 38s onto a friendly forces vehicle near Khowst. The vehicle had been severely damaged by an improvised explosive device two days earlier. It was destroyed to deny the enemy access to potentially salvageable parts. The mission was confirmed successful by the joint terminal attack controller.

In the vicinity of Now Zad, a Predator MQ-1B fired a hellfire missile and dropped GBU-12s onto an enemy compound. Additionally, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped GBU-38s and 31s onto an enemy compound and enemy combatants. The JTAC declared the mission successful.

French Mirage-2000s dropped GBU-12s onto enemy mortars and weapons caches. The mission was reported successful by the JTAC.

Near Shinkay, a B-1B dropped GBU-31s and 38s onto enemy combatants, enemy mortar teams, and fighting positions. The JTAC confirmed the mission successful.

Navy F/A-18C Hornets conducted shows of force to deter enemy activities in the vicinity of Musa Qala. The mission was declared successful by the JTAC.

F-15Es performed a show of force near Khowst to deter anti-Afghan activities. The JTAC reported the mission successful.

French Mirage-2000s conduced a show of force to deter enemy activities in the vicinity of Tarin Kowt. The mission was confirmed successful by the JTAC.

In total, 67 close air support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Twelve Air Force and Royal Air Force surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, six Navy and Royal Air Force aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons performed a show of force to deter enemy activities in the vicinity of Qursysh, Qarah Tappan, and Fallujah. The JTAC reported the mission successful.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 54 close air support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions integrated and synchronized with coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided over watch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Twenty-seven Air Force and Navy surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, four Air Force and RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

U.S. Air Force C-130s and C-17s provided intra-theater heavy airlift, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 129 airlift sorties were flown; 538 tons of cargo delivered, and 1,400 passengers were transported. This included approximately 30,000 pounds of supplies air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On, July 20, U.S. Air Force, French, and RAF aerial refueling crews flew 66 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.5 million pounds of fuel to 318 receiving aircraft.