Airpower: A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provide close-air support

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 July 3, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs strafed enemies hiding in a field with cannon rounds in Qalat. The Joint Terminal Attack Controller reported the rounds found their targets. The pilots also conducted shows of force to provide Coalition forces with cover as they advanced.

Another A-10 successfully conducted a show of force with multiple flares over a cave complex being used by insurgents in Qalat. The pilots also provided convoy escort.

U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles searched for Taliban firing positions in Qalat as well.

A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer hit an enemy position with Guided Bomb Unit 38s and 31s in Asmar. The insurgents were dug in and using a heavy machine gun. All of the bombs were reported to have good effects.

F-15Es strafed an enemy firing position with cannon rounds near Kajaki Dam. The JTAC reported the weapons hit their intended target.

A-10s fired multiple cannon rounds at enemy positions in a tree line in Oruzgan. The cannon rounds hit their intended targets.

In total, 40 close air support missions were flown in support of the International Security Assistance Force and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

In Iraq, U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcons conducted shows of force on enemy firing positions in Mosul and Baghdad. Both shows of force were reported as successful. The pilots also looked for improvised explosive device emplacers.

A U.S. Navy F/A-18C Hornet provided a show of force with flares and provided overwatch to Coalition forces in Al Kut. The shows of force were reported as successful by the JTAC.

An F-16 dropped a GBU-38 on a location thought to be set up as an IED. The pilots also provided convoy escort in the area.

An F-16 dropped a GBU-12 on IED emplacers in Balad. The weapon hit its intended targets. The pilots also provided shows of force over a medical clinic being used as an insurgent safe house. Both shows of force were called successful.

Other F-16s provided shows of force for ground forces moving throughout Baghdad.

In Salman Pak, A-10s strafed boats along the Tigris River with cannon rounds. The boats were destroyed. The pilots also noted secondary explosions after the strafing. The boats were being used to ferry weapons across the river.

A-10s provided successful shows of force over enemies hiding in a palm grove in Al Mahmudiyah. There were no reports of enemy attacks in the area after the shows of force. The A-10s also searched for a mortar team in the area.

F-18s watched over ground forces and looked for suspicious activities in Basrah.

In total, Coalition aircraft flew 69 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 Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, five Air Force and Navy 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 139 airlift sorties were flown; 554 tons of cargo was delivered, and approximately more than 975 passengers were transported.

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