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April 1 airpower summary: RAF celebrates 90th Anniversary

  • Published
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations April 1, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle dropped a guided bomb unit-38 in order to destroy enemy combatants engaging a convoy in Shindand. In addition, a show of force was performed in order to deter any further enemy activities. An on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed that the missions were successful.

Air Force F-15s performed shows of force in order to deter enemy activities in Bagram, Khowst and Lwara. A JTAC reported the success of the missions.

A Royal Air Force GR-7 Harrier fired rockets in order to destroy enemy combatants engaging friendly forces in Gereshk . The success of the mission was declared by a JTAC.

Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs performed shows of force in order to deter enemy activities in Bagram. A JTAC confirmed the success of the missions.

A RAF GR-7 Harrier performed a show of force in order to deter enemy activities in Musa Qala. The mission's success was reported by a JTAC.

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

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

In Iraq, a RAF GR-4 Tornado dropped an Enhanced Paveway II munition in order to destroy enemy rocket rails engaging friendly forces in Basra. The success of the mission was reported by a JTAC.

An Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon performed a show of force in order to deter enemy activities in Al Kut. A JTAC declared that the mission was successful.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 67 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions integrated and synchronized coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided overwatch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

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

Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intra-theater heavy airlift, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 177 airlift sorties were flown, 464 tons of cargo delivered and 4,340 passengers were transported. This included approximately 26,400 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On March 31, Air Force, French and RAF tanker crews flew 48 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.6 million pounds of fuel to 202 receiving aircraft.