US Air Force,
SOUTHWEST ASIA: Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations April 14, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.
In Afghanistan yesterday, U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornets dropped Guided Bomb Unit-12s and GBU-38s on buildings occupied by insurgents near Sangin. The F/A-18s also fired cannon rounds on the buildings. A Joint Terminal Attack Controller confirmed all weapons hit the desired targets.
JTACs are highly trained U.S. Air Force personnel who advise ground commanders on appropriate air power support, relay the ground commander' s intent to air power assets overhead and communicate with aircrews for precision engagement.
Other F/A-18s provided an effective show of force over friendly forces near Sangin, releasing multiple flares.
A Royal Air Force GR-7 Harrier dropped a 540 pound air burst bomb on a cave entrance where insurgents were firing at coalition forces near Sangin. A direct hit was observed by a JTAC.
In total, 49 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the International Security Assistance Force and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.
Seven U.S. Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, four U.S. Navy and Royal Air Force fighter aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.
In Iraq yesterday, U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons provided shows of force, releasing multiple flares, for coalition forces receiving enemy fire near Karbala. The insurgence stopped firing after the second show of force. The pilots also performed counter-improvised explosive device reconnaissance in the area.
U.S. Navy F/A-18s provided a show of force to deter insurgents from firing at a coalition medical evacuation near Baghdad. A JTAC confirmed it as successful and no attacks were reported.
Other F/A-18s provided a show of force over a coalition convoy near Baghdad at the coalition ground force commander's direction. A JTAC reported it as successful. The pilots continued overwatch of the convoy and provided counter-improvised explosive device reconnaissance in the area.
Royal Air Force GR-4 Tornados provided reconnaissance for suspicious activity at a ruptured water pipeline and a suspected mortar position near Baqubah. The pilots also provided counter-IED overwatch for a nearby coalition patrol.
In total, coalition aircraft flew 50 close air support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions supported coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided overwatch of reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.
Nineteen U.S. Air Force and Royal Australian Air Force ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, three U.S. Air Force and Royal Air Force fighter 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 160 airlift sorties were flown; nearly 585 tons of cargo were delivered, and nearly 3,100 passengers were transported.
Coalition C-130 crews from Australia and Canada flew in support of OIF or OEF.
On April 13, U.S. Air Force, French Air Force and Royal Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 47 sorties and off-loaded nearly 3 million pounds of fuel.
