Aug. 3 airpower summary: Joint ops support coalition forces

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Aug. 3 according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, a French Mirage 2000D accompanied by a Mirage F1CR released a guided bomb unit -12 on an enemy facility in Sangin. The fighter also performed shows of force over the area. A joint terminal attack controller confirmed the fighter struck the intended target.

Also in Sangin, an A-10 Thunderbolt II dropped a GBU-12 and fired cannon rounds on enemy positions. A JTAC confirmed the munitions hit the intended target.

An F-15E Strike Eagle launched a GBU-12 on an enemy target in Shinra. A JTAC reported the mission a success.

Another F-15E conducted a show of force over friendly firing positions to show the enemy close-air support was in the area. A JTAC confirmed desired results were achieved.

An A-10 over Nangalam performed a show of force with flares near a firebase to support coalition ground forces. A JTAC reported the flyover as successful.

Air support for Operation Enduring Freedom was sustained through mid-air refueling by KC-10 Extenders and KC-135 Stratotankers.

In total, 39 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the 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. Additionally, two RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, an F-16 Fighting Falcon released GBU-12s on structures suspected of containing improvised explosive devices in Diwaniyah. A JTAC confirmed the bombs destroyed the targets and secondary explosions believed to be caused by the presences of IEDs were observed. The fighter also provided armed overwatch near Al Miqdadiyah.

Near Balad, F-16s conducted armed overwatch for coalition ground forces and searched for possible insurgent activity.

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 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 Air Force, Navy and RAF ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, two RAF 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.

Approximately 138 airlift sorties were flown; 298 tons of cargo were delivered, and approximately 1,934 passengers were transported.

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

On Aug. 2, Air Force and RAF aerial refueling crews flew 49 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.5 million pounds of fuel to 194 receiving aircraft.