US Air Force,
SOUTHWEST ASIA: Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Sept. 23, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.
An Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II dropped a general purpose 500-pound bomb on an enemy rocket position near Shkin. The on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed the target was destroyed.
In Asadabad, A-10s struck an enemy position and a compound with guided bomb unit-12s, a general purpose 500-pound bomb, and cannon fire. The JTAC confirmed the strike was successful.
Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles used a GBU-31 and GBU-38 against a heavily dug-in enemy firing position. The JTAC reported the strikes as successful.
One of the pilots then engaged another enemy position with a GBU-38. The JTAC confirmed the weapon hit the target and the desired result was achieved.
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Maintainers ensure this B-1B Lancer is ready to go as a C-17 Globemaster III prepares to land at a forward deployed location in Southwest Asia. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Ken Stephens)
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Royal Air Force GR-9 and GR-7 Harriers conducted shows of force near Qalat against enemies attacking a civilian fuel convoy. The JTAC reported the show of force as successful.
An A-10 performed a show of force with flares in Jalalabad near friendly forces who had been fired upon by the enemy. The JTAC reported the show of force as successful.
An F-15E conducted a show of force in Gereshk to deter enemy activity. The JTAC confirmed the show of force had the desired effect.
In total, 42 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, an Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon conducted a show of force in Al Muqdadiyah to make the enemy break contact with coalition forces. The JTAC declared the show of force was successful.
An F-16 in Baqubah struck an explosive-laden house with a GBU-38. The JTAC confirmed the house was destroyed.
Another F-16 used a GBU-38 to destroy an improvised explosive device on a housing complex gate. The JTAC confirmed the strike was successful and there was no collateral damage.
In Baqubah, an F-16 conducted a show of force to disperse a crowd near a coalition patrol base. The JTAC reported the show of force was effective.
The pilot also performed a show of force near another coalition patrol base to discourage an enemy attack. The JTAC confirmed the show of force was successful.
In total, coalition aircraft flew 49 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.
Nineteen Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, three Air Force 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 150 airlift sorties were flown, 460 tons of cargo were delivered and approximately 3,300 passengers were transported. Airlift included approximately 44,000 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.
Coalition C-130 crews from Australia, Iraq and Korea flew in support of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.
On Sept. 22, Air Force, French and RAF tankers flew 47 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.3 million pounds of fuel to 210 receiving aircraft.
