April 24 airpower summary: F-16s fly combat sortie missions

Published April 25, 2008

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations April 24, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-31s and 38s in order to destroy enemy spotter points and a disabled friendly forces vehicle to prevent it from falling into enemy hands in Qalat. An on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed that the mission was successful.

Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles performed shows of force in order to deter enemy activities in Asadabad, Orgune and Qalat. A JTAC reported that the missions were 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.

In Iraq, an Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon dropped a GBU-38 in order to destroy a house-borne improvised explosive device. A JTAC declared that the mission was successful.

In Al Kut, Navy F/A-18 Super Hornets performed shows of force in order to deter enemy activities. A JTAC reported that the missions were successful.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 69 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 intelligence, 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.

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 152 airlift sorties were flown, 599 tons of cargo delivered and 3,752 passengers were transported. This included approximately 27,520 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On April 23, Air Force, French and RAF tanker crews flew 48 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3 million pounds of fuel to 239 receiving aircraft.