Airpower Summary for November 5

Photo By Staff Sgt. Angelique Perez | U.S. Air Force Technical Sgt Nick Frankos, an Aircraft Weapons Loader, marshals in an A-10C Thunderbolt II for munitions disarming after a mission in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The A-10C's are assigned to the 104th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, which is made up primarily of members from the Maryland Air National Guard.  

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

11.06.2007

Courtesy Story

United States Air Forces Central           

SOUTHWEST ASIA — Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations, Nov. 5, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials.

In Afghanistan, a French Mirage 2000 engaged enemy combatants with Guided Bomb Unit-38s in Tarin Kowt. The enemy combatants were responsible for attacks against coalition forces. A French Mirage F-1 CR also assisted in the strike with the use of a GBU-12 and cannon rounds. The Joint Terminal Attack Controller assessed the mission as successful.

In Qal'eh Naw, an enemy position was targeted with GBU-38s by an Air Force B1-B Lancer. The B1-B supported coalition forces who were taking fire from an enemy hilltop position. The JTAC declared the munitions successfully hit the intended targets.

Shows of force were conducted by a Mirage 2000 and an F-1 CR over coalition positions to deter enemy actions in Orgune. The mission was confirmed successful by the JTAC.

In total, 24 close air support missions were flown in support of the International Security Assistance Force and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Eight 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, Air Force A-10C Thunderbolt IIs dropped GBU-38s on a tunnel in Tuz used by enemy combatants who were escaping from a raid by coalition forces. The JTAC confirmed the tunnel was destroyed and the mission a success.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 48 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.

Twenty-three Air Force, Navy, and Royal Air Force Surveillance and Reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, six 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 164 airlift sorties were flown; 569 tons of cargos were delivered, and 3,693 passengers were delivered by C-17s. This included approximately 18,000 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 Nov. 4, U.S. Air Force, French, and Royal Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 44 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.2 million pounds of fuel to 233 receiving aircraft.

• Date Taken: 11.06.2007
• Date Posted: 11.06.2007 11:20
• Story ID: 13679
• Location: (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)