Allied Airpower 02/11

Airpower: A-10s support ground troops
Agence France-Presse Nov 2, 2007

SOUTHWEST ASIA: Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Oct. 31, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, a Royal Air Force GR-9 Harrier conducted a strike against enemy combatants who were engaging coalition forces in Garmsir. The Harrier hit the intended target with an enhanced Paveway II munition. The on-scene joint terminal attack controller assessed the mission as successful.

An Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle dropped a guided bomb unit-38 against enemy combatants in Deh' Rawod. The JTAC reported the strike suppressed the enemy activity and he confirmed the mission was successful.

An enemy firing position located in Deh' Rawod was struck with GBU-31s released from an Air Force B1-B Lancer. The JTAC reported a successful strike and assessed the mission as successful.

An F-15E performed a show of force, using flares to deter enemy activity in Oruzgan. The mission was declared successful.

A show of force was conducted by an F-15E to deter enemy activity in Akakhel. The mission was assessed as successful.

A show of force was demonstrated by a GR-9 to deter enemy activity in Garmsir. The mission was declared successful.

In total, 33 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Eight Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, two RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, an Air Force MQ-1B Predator conducted a strike against enemy combatants in Fallujah. The Hellfire missiles impacted on the intended target and the mission was assessed as successful.

Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons conducted shows of force to deter enemy combatants in Salman Pak. The desired result was achieved when the enemy combatants ceased firing. The JTAC confirmed the mission was successful.

A show of force was conducted in Al Mahmudiyah by an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II to deter enemy activity against a coalition convoy. The JTAC assessed the mission as successful.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 62 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.

Nineteen Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, four Navy and RAF 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 145 airlift sorties were flown, 541 tons of cargos were delivered and 3,641 passengers were transported. Airlift included approximately 61,380 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Oct. 30, Air Force, French and RAF aerial refueling crews flew 46 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.9 million pounds of fuel to 247 receiving aircraft.

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