Airpower: Tankers sustain air operations

US Air Force,

SOUTHWEST ASIA: Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations June 19, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped guided bomb unit-39s and GBU-12s on anti-coalition firing positions in Garmsir. An on-scene joint terminal attack controller passed the order to pilots from the ground forces commander to strike buildings in a compound where coalition forces were receiving fire. The JTAC confirmed the weapons hit the intended targets. After mid-air refueling with a KC-10 Extender, the Strike Eagles released more GBU-39s and 12s in Tarin Kowt, targeting militia firing from a tree line. The weapons impacted the target and desired effect was achieved.

Also in Garmsir, an aircraft carrier-based Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet dropped a GBU-12 on individuals in a tree line. A JTAC and weapons system video confirmed the weapon hit the desired target.

In Tarin Kowt, an F/A-18 Hornet dropped a GBU-12 in the vicinity of a building with suspicious activity. The JTAC and video confirmed the explosion of the desired target. Another F/A-18 provided multiple shows of force in the area over insurgent positions with good effects. An additional Hornet and Super Hornet provided a show of force, expending flares and providing an armed over watch in the area.

In Kandahar, A-10 Thunderbolt IIs made multiple strafing runs, firing 30mm cannon rounds and dropping general-purpose 500 pound bombs on anti-coalition militia. All ordnances were confirmed as good hits.

In Khowst, an F-15E supported troops in contact with enemy forces by releasing a GBU-39 on a possible anti-coalition militia firing position while other aircraft provided armed overwatch. The JTAC confirmed it was a good hit and the desired effect was achieved.

An F/A-18 released GBU-38s on insurgent targets near Shkin. The JTAC and video confirmed weapon impacted targets and exploded.

Also in Shkin, a B-1B Lancer provided a show of force over a convoy and villages.  After refueling with a KC-135 Stratotanker, the aircraft also showed presence along a highway in the area. The overall mission was considered a success by the JTAC.

An F-15E provided a show of force over an anti-coalition militia firing position on a mountain ridge in Shkin. The show of force was successful and achieved the desired result.

In total, 59 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Ten Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, Royal Air Force aircraft provided tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, F-16 Fighting Falcons dropped GBU-38s and GBU-12s on several houses that insurgents were using as firing positions, on a house that contained IEDs and on an embankment historically known as a site for IEDs in support of a coalition operation in Baquba. Another F-16 engaged the enemy with 20 mm cannon rounds near an intersection during the same operation. A JTAC on the ground confirmed the air strikes were successful. Air power for the operation was sustained through mid-air refueling by KC-135 Stratotankers and KC-10 Extenders.

Also in Baquba, an aircraft carrier-based F/A-18 launched a GBU-12 against a group of insurgents when a MQ-1 Predator recorded them planting an IED along a roadside. Weapon detonation was confirmed by weapons system video. A-10s provided ISR for coalition forces in the area.

In Baghdad, RAF GR-4 Tornados fired enhanced Paveway II munitions on a palm grove identified as containing a weapons cache and high insurgent activity area.

An F-16 dropped GBU 38s and GBU-12s on a weapons cache in the area. An F/A-18 strafed a sniper position with 20 mm cannon fire after being guided to the target by a JTAC. The strikes were reported as successful.

Also in Baghdad, F/A-18 pilots sighted a group of people digging a probable IED emplacement. The information was relayed to the JTAC on the ground to pass on to the ground commander. Other F/A-18s provided overwatch for a convoy that hit an IED while F-16s monitored coalition forces conducting a raid at a nearby house. More F-16s provided armed overwatch after ground forces received small-arms fire.

An MQ-1 fired a Hellfire missile that hit a building in Nasiriyah that insurgents were using to store weapons.  A B-1B preformed a show of force over the area to suppress enemy rocket-propelled grenade fire.

Another B-1B performed shows of force with flares over Basrah to support a convoy under small arms fire. The shows of force were declared successful.

In Muqdadiyah, F/A-18s performed a show of force over a palm grove after refueling from a KC-135. The JTAC reported the mission successful when enemy fire stopped.

A-10s in Mahmudiyah provided overwatch for coalition forces who prepared to question suspicious individuals near a concealed vehicle.

In Numaniyah, Fighting Falcons provided armed overwatch for a convoy returning to a forward operating base and for coalition forces conducting a raid.

F-16s provided overwatch for an attack weapons team who engaged insurgents placing an IED. The fighters also conducted ISR for activity around buildings previously attacked by coalition aircraft.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 68 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions supported coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided overwatch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Sixteen Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, five Air Force and Navy fighter aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intra-theater heavy airlift support, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 164 airlift sorties were flown, more than 397 tons of cargo were delivered and nearly 1,275 passengers were transported. This included approximately 9,315 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 June 18, Air Force, RAF, French and Republic of Singapore tankers flew 59 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.3 million pounds of fuel to 288 receiving aircraft.