Airpower: A-10s unleash the thunder

US Air Force,

SOUTHWEST ASIA: Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Sept. 12, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs dropped guided bomb unit-12s and a general purpose 500-pound bomb and fired cannon rounds on enemies in a compound in Deh Rawod. 

Royal Air Force GR-7 and GR-9  Harriers targeted a ridgeline in Tarin Kowt with rockets to stop enemy fire on coalition forces. The firing ceased from the ridgeline and coalition forces were able to return to the operating base.

Also in Deh Rawod, F-15Es Strike Eagles attacked firing positions and buildings with GBU-38s, GBU-31s and GBU-12s. The on-scene joint terminal attack controller reported the engagement had good effects. Other F-15Es provided shows of force over the area and searched for enemy activity.

A-10s fired cannon rounds at enemies to halt small arms and rocket propelled grenade fire on a convoy near Sangin. The JTAC confirmed the desired result was achieved.

Also in Sangin, GR-7s targeted an enemy compound with enhanced Paveway II munitions. The pilots fired rockets against enemies in a tree line. The JTAC confirmed enemy fire ceased.

A-10s engaged enemies near Oruzgan with rockets and cannon rounds to halt enemy fire on ground forces. The JTAC confirmed weapons were on target and achieved the desired effect.

Also in Oruzgan, A-10s performed a show of force to deter further enemy fire and provided overwatch for a medical evacuation.

An F-15E performed a show of force over a hostile area in Orgun-E. The JTAC confirmed the show of force was successful. The pilot also tracked a suspicious vehicle.

In total, 40 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Nine 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, a Navy F/A-18 Hornet dropped GBU-38s on a weapons cache in Baghdad. The strike was considered a success.

Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons destroyed three improvised explosive device houses with GBU-12s and GBU-38s.

In Baqubah, F-16s strafed IED emplacers with cannon rounds. The JTAC confirmed the rounds hit successfully.

In Al Kut, F-16s conducted shows of force to stop enemy activity around a convoy traveling through the town of Numaniyah. The JTAC confirmed the shows of force were successful.

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.

Eleven Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, six 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 170 airlift sorties were flown, 460 tons of cargo were delivered and nearly 3,870 passengers were transported. Airlift included approximately 38,000 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Sept. 11, Air Force, French and RAF tankers flew 56 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3 million pounds of fuel to 270 receiving aircraft.