Airpower: F-16s watch over coalition troops

US Air Force,

SOUTHWEST ASIA: Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 05, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped guided bomb unit-38s on enemy compounds in Garmsir. The strike targeted enemy combatants taking up positions in the buildings. An on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed the strike hit the intended targets.

A Royal Air Force Harrier GR-9 successfully performed a show of force to deter enemy activities in Musa Qal'eh.

In Nowzad, coalition troop engagements against enemy combatants were supported by Air Force aircraft. A B1-B Lancer, A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and F-15Es dropped GBU-38s. A 500-pound bomb, cannon rounds and a GBU-12 were delivered by the A-10s.

Additionally, an MQ-1B Predator fired a Hellfire missile while another GBU-12 was fired from an MQ-9A Reaper. These munitions were used against enemy combatants who were taking positions in buildings and rocket-propelled grenade sites. The JTAC confirmed successful strikes against the targets and the desired effect was achieved during the hostile action.

Several GBU-31s and 38s were dropped from a B1-B against enemy positions north of Farah. Coalition forces were engaging enemy combatants in fighting positions located on nearby hills and compounds. The strike was declared successful by the JTAC as the bombs achieved the desired effect.

F-15Es successfully conducted shows of force with flares to deter enemy activities in areas around Musa Qal'eh, Kajaki Dam and Sangin. Additionally, GBU-38s were used against an enemy compound in Sangin. The missions were assessed as successful by the JTAC.

Shows of force with flares by A-10s deterred enemy activities during demonstrations in southeast Jalalabad. The JTAC deemed the missions a success.

In total, 41 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Eight Air Force and Royal Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan.

In Iraq, an Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon dropped a GBU-31 on a bridge in Babil province. Al Qaeda combatants were using the bridge as a crossing point. The JTAC confirmed the strike successfully destroyed the bridge.

An enemy vehicle in Baqubah transporting enemy combatants was struck by a Maverick missile from an F-16. The JTAC confirmed the enemy vehicle was destroyed.

A GBU-12 and a GBU-38 from an F-16 were used against enemy combatants in Baqubah. Coalition forces were engaging the enemy in hostile action. The enemy fire ceased and the JTAC assessed the mission as successful.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 53 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-four Air Force, Navy, and RAF 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 145 airlift sorties were flown, 350 tons of cargos were delivered and 3,241 passengers were transported. Airlift included approximately 50,368 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Dec. 04, Air Force, French and RAF tankers flew 42 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.5 million pounds of fuel to 220 receiving aircraft.