Agence France-Presse,
SOUTHWEST ASIA: Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Aug. 4, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.
In Afghanistan, Royal Air Force Harriers GR-9 and GR-7 fired rockets at enemies in a tree line in Sangin. Enemies had fired on ground forces from a compound then moved to a tree line. The rocket attack was considered successful by the Joint Terminal Attack Controller.
Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided a show of force with flares to deter any enemy attacks on friendly forces in Orgun-E. There were no attacks after the A-10s passed over.
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A-10 Thunderbolt IIs, like this one, provided shows of force to deter enemy attacks on friendly forces Aug. 4. (U.S. Air Force photo/Maj. David Kurle)
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An Air Force B-1B Lancer conducted a show of force with flares over an area near Orgun-E to stop enemy fire. The aircrew also provided a show of presence as well.
Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles, A-10s and GR-7s monitored suspicious activity and provided overwatch for coalition convoys moving throughout Ghazni.
An A-10 conducted a show of force with flares to ward off enemy attacks near Tarin Kowt. The JTAC confirmed the show of force as successful.
In total, 45 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.
Ten Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan.
In Iraq, an Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon performed shows of force with flares over insurgents firing on coalition forces in Bayji. A JTAC confirmed the fly over was successful.
An A-10 Thunderbolt II conducted shows of force with flares to prevent enemy action while coalition forces moved their position in Musayyib. The fighter also provided armed over watch for a convoy.
Another A-10 performed armed overwatch for coalition ground forces in Baquba.
In Samarra, F-16s conducted armed overwatch and counter-IED activities for ground forces.
Fighting Falcons looked for IED emplacers and people setting up mortars around Baghdad.
Air support for Operation Iraqi Freedom was sustained through mid-air refueling by KC-10 Extenders and KC-135 Stratotankers
In total, coalition aircraft flew 57 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.
Twenty-one Air Force, Navy, RAF and Royal Australian Air Force ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, five RAF and Navy aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.
Air Force C-130 Hercules and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intratheater heavy airlift support, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa. 145 airlift sorties were flown; more than 610 tons of cargo was delivered, and approximately 3,045 passengers were transported.
Coalition C-130 crews from Australia, Canada and Japan flew in support of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.
On Aug. 23, Air Force and RAF aerial refueling crews flew 53 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.1 million pounds of fuel to 250 receiving aircraft.
