Airpower Summary for May 10

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

05.10.2008

Courtesy Story

United States Air Forces Central     

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By the U.S. Air Forces Central 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 May 10, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle dropped a guided bomb unit-38 onto a disabled coalition forces vehicle in Sangin successfully destroying the vehicle and ensuring that no valuable information or equipment fell into enemy hands. Furthermore, the F-15E conducted shows of force in the same area in order to deter enemy activities against coalition forces. The missions were declared successful by the Joint Terminal Attack Controller.

Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs fired cannon rounds onto enemy vehicles and dropped GBU-12s onto an enemy building in the vicinity of Bermel. Furthermore, an A-10 performed a show of force in the area to deter enemy activities. The JTAC reported the missions as a success.

In Gardez, an A-10 conducted shows of force in order to deter enemy activities in the area. The missions were confirmed as successful by the JTAC.

An Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped GBU-38s onto enemy combatants in the vicinity of Kabul. The JTAC declared the mission a success.

In total, 54 close air support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

In Iraq, Navy F/A-18F Super Hornets dropped GBU-38s onto enemy positions in the vicinity of Al Amarah. The mission was reported as a success by the JTAC.

Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons dropped GBU-38s onto an enemy building and an area containing Improvised Explosive Devices in the vicinity of Baqubah. The JTAC confirmed the mission as a success.

In Baqubah, an F-16 dropped a GBU-38 onto an enemy bunker successfully destroying the target.

An F-16 dropped a GBU-38 onto an enemy mortar team in the vicinity of Baghdad. The mission was declared a success by the JTAC.

Shows of force were performed by Navy F/A-18E Super Hornets over enemy positions in Al Amarah. The JTAC reported the missions as a success.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 74 close air support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions integrated and synchronized coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided over watch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Twenty-five Air Force, Navy, and Royal Australian Air Force surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, eight Air Force, Navy, and Royal Air Force aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

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

Approximately 157 airlift sorties were flown; 421 tons of cargo delivered, and 1,789 passengers were transported. This included approximately 47,000 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On May 9, U.S. Air Force, French, and Royal Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 50 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.6 million pounds of fuel to 183 receiving aircraft.