US Air Force,
SOUTHWEST ASIA: Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations June 27, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.
In Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II performed a show of force, dispensing flares above Orgun-E to make insurgents aware of an air presence. An on-scene joint terminal attack controller called the show of force successful.
French Mirage 2000s conducted shows of force over friendly forces in Orgun-E. The pilots also monitored a bunker for possible insurgents.
An Air Force B-1B Lancer provided a show of force to protect a disabled vehicle in Khowst. There were no attacks reported after the show of force.
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KC-135 Stratotankers with the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing at a base in Southwest Asia await their next missions. These aerial refuelers greatly enhance the Air Force's global reach and global power. They also provide refueling support to Navy and Marine aircraft and aircraft of allied nations. The KC-135 is capable of transporting litter and ambulatory patients during aeromedical evacuations by using patient-support pallets. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Cassandra Locke)
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Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles conducted multiple shows of force with flares over Gereshk and Tarin Kowt to deter enemy activities in these areas. The shows of force were all successful.
Other F-15E pilots searched a compound in Garmsir for insurgent firing positions. Later in Garmsir, a B-1 destroyed enemy compounds with guided bomb unit -31s and 38s.
A-10s conducted shows of force with multiple flares over Asadabad to stop the enemy from firing on coalition forces in the area. Other A-10s provided overwatch for convoys in the area.
In Sangin, an A-10 provided a show of force with flares to reassure coalition forces and deter enemy activity. The show of force was called successful by the JTAC.
In total, 36 close-air-support missions were flown in support of 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. Additionally, two Royal Air Force aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.
In Iraq, an RAF GR-4 Tornado provided overwatch of a suspected insurgent in Al Amiriyah.
An Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon provided a show of force over suspicious individuals in Samarra. F-16s also watched over an improvised explosive device detonation area and monitored activity along a river in the area.
In Basrah, a B-1 conducted shows of force, dispensing multiple flares to help friendly forces exit an area where they had come under fire. The shows of force allowed coalition forces to move out.
In support of Operation Arrowhead Ripper, an F-16 hit a building in Baquba being used as a weapons cache with GBU-38s and GBU-12s. The attacks destroyed the center and south walls of the building.
Following up the first F-16 attack, another F-16 hit the building with a GBU-38 to ensure it was completely destroyed.
Also in Baquba, U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornets monitored the area for suspicious activity. There were no reported attacks while the F/A-18s were in the area.
F-16s also provided successful shows of force, dispensing flares over Baghdad.
F/A-18s also provided overwatch in and around Baghdad.
A GR-4 provided a show of force with flares over Baghdad and monitored a mosque possibly being used as a safe house.
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.
Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intratheater heavy airlift support, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.
Approximately 158 airlift sorties were flown, 455 tons of cargo were delivered and 2,322 passengers were transported.
Coalition C-130 crews from Australia, Canada and Iraq flew in support of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq. This included approximately 27,790 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.
On June 26, Air Force, RAF and French tankers flew 44 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.5 million pounds of fuel to 225 receiving aircraft.
