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April 25 airpower summary: A-10s take it to the enemy

  • Published
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations April 25, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II dropped guided bomb unit-12s to destroy enemy rocket positions in Bermel. An on-scene joint terminal attack controler confirmed that the missions were successful.

In Qalat, a British GR-7 Harrier performed a show of force in order to deter enemy activities. The JTAC confirmed that the mission was successful.

In Asadabad, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped GBU-31s and 38s in order to destroy an enemy rocket position. The JTAC declared that the mission was successful.

In Nangalam, an F-15E dropped a GBU-31 on enemy combatants. In addition F-15Es performed shows of force in order to deter any additional activities. The JTAC reported that the missions were successful.

In order to deter enemy activities, French Mirage-2000s performed shows of force in Bermel. The JTAC declared that the missions were successful.

In Orgune, an A-10 dropped a 500-pound bomb to destroy enemy combatants. The JTAC reported that the mission was successful.

In total, 43 close-air-support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

In Iraq, a Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet performed a show of force in order to deter enemy activities. The JTAC confirmed that the mission was successful.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 70 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-four Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, eight Air Force, Navy and RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

U.S. 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.

Some 145 airlift sorties were flown, 705 tons of cargo delivered and 3,418 passengers were transported. This included approximately 135,520 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On April 24, U.S. Air Force, French and RAF aerial refueling crews flew 47 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.9 million pounds of fuel to 252 receiving aircraft.