April 30 airpower summary: Predator hits enemy target

Published May 1, 2008

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations April 30, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs conducted shows of force in order to deter enemy activities in the areas of Bermel, Orgune, Lwara and Bari Kowt. An on-scene joint terminal attack controller declared the missions successful.

In Asadabad, A-10s fired cannon rounds onto various enemy positions successfully eliminating the targets. The mission was confirmed as successful by a JTAC.

Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles performed shows of force in order to deter enemy activities in Ghanzi, Tarin Kowt and Orgune. A JTAC reported the missions as successful.

In total, 51 close-air-support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

In Iraq, an Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon conducted a show of force in order to deter enemy activities against coalition forces in Baquabah. The mission was declared successful by a JTAC.

An Air Force MQ-1 Predator fired a Hellfire missile onto an enemy building in the vicinity of Baghdad successfully destroying the target.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 41 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.

Nineteen 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 125 airlift sorties were flown, 427 tons of cargo delivered and 2,563 passengers were transported. This included approximately 69,096 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On April 29, Air Force, French and RAF tanker crews flew 42 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.6 million pounds of fuel to 165 receiving aircraft.