Allied Airpower 04/06

AIRPOWER SUMMARY FOR JUNE 4
Release Date:
6/5/2007

SOUTHWEST ASIA — Coalition airpower supported Coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations June 4, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, a Royal Air Force GR-9A Harrier dropped Enhanced Paveway II munitions on a dugout enemy compound in Garmsir. The Joint Terminal Attack Controller, who requested the drop, reported the weapon directly hit the target. The pilot performed a show of force over the area which caused the enemy to give up their position. This allowed the JTAC to guide the Harrier to the target and hit it with ordnance.

Also in Garmsir, another GR-9 dropped multiple ordnances on an enemy bunker including a 540 pound bomb. The JTAC reported that the bunker was destroyed.

A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle dropped a Guided Bomb Unit-38 on insurgents hiding in a tree line near Garmsir. The aircrew also strafed the tree line with cannon rounds. The JTAC reported the attacks were all successful.

A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer conducted a show of presence over a Coalition Route in Kajaki Dam.

F-15Es showed force with multiple flares to deter any enemy activity around a compound in Musa Qala. No enemy activity was reported after the show of force. The F-15s also monitored suspicious activity around a tree line in the area.

In total, 39 close air support missions were flown in support of the International Security Assistance Force and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

In Iraq, U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcons monitored areas around Baghdad for possibly threats and suspicious activity. Another F-16 team watched over a police station struck by a mortar round.

Also in Baghdad, F-16s also watched over a quick response force venturing out to help ground forces hit by an improvised explosive device.

Near Taji, a U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II dropped a GBU-12 on hostile IED emplacers. The weapon was reported to have impacted its target.

A U.S. Navy F/A-18C Hornet provided a show of force expelling multiple flares against insurgents who fired on helicopters in Al Basrah. The pilots also monitored a convoy struck by an IED. The convoy was not attacked while the Hornets watched over.

In total, Coalition aircraft flew 63 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.

Seventeen Air Force, Navy and Royal Australian Air Force ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, seven Air Force, Navy 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 132 airlift sorties were flown; more than 717 tons of cargo was delivered, and approximately 2,719 passengers were transported.

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

On June 3, U.S. Air Force, Royal Air Force, French Air Force and Republic of Singapore Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 46 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.7 million pounds of fuel to 216 receiving aircraft.