Airpower Summary 6/5

AIRPOWER SUMMARY FOR MAY 6
Release Date:
5/7/2007

Description:
SOUTHWEST ASIA — Coalition airpower supported Coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations May 6, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped Guided Bomb Unit-12s on targets in an open area near Garmsir. All airstrikes were confirmed as successful. The F-15s also performed a show of force to deter any possible enemy engagements.

U.S. Navy F/A -18 Super Hornets provided security and an overhead presence for a Coalition convoy near Gereshk. The pilots also performed reconnaissance of suspicious vehicles and activity near compounds in the area.

Also near Geresk, other U.S. Navy F/A-18s provided cover and reconnaissance for a Coalition convoy with a disabled vehicle and kept watch over activity near a compound.

In total, 44 close air support missions were flown in support of the International Security Assistance Force and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Eight U.S. Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, two U.S. Navy aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, a U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped GBU-38s on a known terrorist facility and weapons cache near Mosul. The bomber also performed a show of force to keep insurgents at bay during a Coalition medical evacuation near Tall Afar.

U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons dropped a GBU-12 on an Al Qaeda safe house near Taji. A Joint Terminal Attack Controller confirmed the drop as a successful hit.

Another F-16 dropped a GBU-12 on vehicle-based improvised explosive devices near Al Muqdadiyah.

A JTAC confirmed that the desired results were achieved. The pilot also provided armed overwatch of a raid in which Coalition forces were receiving small arms fire. The Coalition raid uncovered a weapons cache.

Near Baquba, an F-16 provided overwatch and scanned for insurgents after a vehicle-borne IED attack.

Also near Baquba, an F-16 pilot looked out for Coalition ground forces who took fire while securing a site after an IED explosion.

In total, Coalition aircraft flew 49 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 U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, two 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 165 airlift sorties were flown; more than 695 tons of cargo were delivered, and approximately 2,300 passengers were transported.

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

On May 5, U.S. Air Force, Republic of Singapore Air Force and Royal Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 40 sorties and off-loaded almost 2.3 million pounds of fuel to 180 receiving aircraft.

ABP STOPS SUICIDE BOMBER NEAR PAKISTAN BORDER
Posted: 07 May 2007 07:57 AM CDT
ABP STOPS SUICIDE BOMBER NEAR PAKISTAN BORDER
COALITION FORCES FIND TORTURE ROOM, DESTROY WEAPONS CACHE IN SADR CITY Posted: 07 May 2007 07:47 AM CDT
COALITION FORCES FIND TORTURE ROOM, DESTROY WEAPONS CACHE IN SADR CITY