Allied Airpower 31/10/07

Airpower: F-16s deter enemy activity
US Air Force Oct 31, 2007

SOUTHWEST ASIA: Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Oct. 29, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles engaged enemy combatants with cannon fire and guided bomb unit-38s near Orgune. The on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed the mission was successful

During the same mission, the F-15s conducted shows of force to deter enemy activity in the vicinity of Orgune. The JTAC assessed the mission as successful.

An enemy mortar position was destroyed by F-15Es using GBU-38s during a strike in Deh' Rawod. The JTAC confirmed the mission was successful.

A Royal Air Force GR-7 Harrier conducted a show of force to deter enemy activities against coalition forces in Now Zad. The JTAC declared the mission as a success.

An F-15E conducted a show of force to deter enemy activities in Orgune. The mission was deemed During an armed overwatch, a GR-7 performed a show of force in support of coalition forces conducting an operation in Kandahar. The mission was reported successful.

In total, 34 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Twelve Air Force and RAF 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 F-16 Fighting Falcon performed a show of force to deter enemy activity in Baghdad. The JTAC confirmed the mission as successful.

A show of force, with the use of flares, was conducted by a Navy F-18 Hornet to deter enemy action in Al Hillah. The show of force was deemed successful by the JTAC.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 60 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.

Twenty-three Air Force, Navy and Royal Australian Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance 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 141 airlift sorties were flown; 368 tons of cargo were delivered, and 2,619 passengers were transported. This included approximately 15,100 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Oct. 28, Air Force, French and RAF tankers flew 46 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.0 million pounds of fuel to 230 receiving aircraft.

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