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Airpower Summary for April 3

  • Published
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Coalition airpower integrated with Coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations Apr. 3, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, French Mirage-2000s performed shows of force in order to deter enemy activities in Bermel and Orgune. The Joint Terminal Attack Controller confirmed that the missions were successful.

An Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II performed a show of force in order to deter enemy activities in Kandahar. The success of the mission was reported by the JTAC.

In Nangalam, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped Guided Bomb Units in order to destroy enemy combatants engaging Friendly Forces. The success of the mission was declared by the JTAC.

An Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped a GBU-31 in order to destroy an enemy structure with enemy combatants inside. In addition, the B-1B also performed a show of force in order to deter enemy activities in Garmser. The JTAC confirmed that the missions were successful.

In total, 39 close air support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Nine Air Force and Royal Air Force surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, two Royal Air Force aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, British GR.4 Tornados and F/A-18F Super Hornets performed shows of force in order to deter enemy activities in Basra. The JTAC reported that the missions were successful.

In Baqubah, an Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon and Navy F/A-18C Hornets dropped GBU-38s in order to destroy House Borne Improvised Explosive Devices. The JTAC declared that the missions were successful.

In total, Coalition aircraft flew 68 close air support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions integrated and synchronized Coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided over watch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Twenty-three Air Force and Navy surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, eight Air Force, Navy, and Royal Air Force aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

U.S. Air Force C-130s and C-17s provided intra-theater heavy airlift, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 149 airlift sorties were flown; 643 tons of cargo delivered, and 3,098 passengers were transported.

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

On April 2, U.S. Air Force and Royal Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 49 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.0 million pounds of fuel to 255 receiving aircraft.