April 19 airpower summary: B-1Bs bomb enemy targets

Published April 21, 2008

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations April 19, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle performed a show of force in order to deter enemy activities in the vicinity of Gardez. The on-scene joint terminal attack controller declared the mission a success.

An Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-31s and GBU-38s onto enemy buildings in Garmsir. The mission was reported as successful by a JTAC.

In Bermel, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs fired cannon rounds onto enemy locations. A JTAC confirmed the mission as successful.

An Air Force MQ-9A Reaper fired a hellfire missile onto enemy combatants in Kandahar. The mission was declared a success by a JTAC.

An A-10 conducted shows of force over enemy positions in both Lwara and Jalalabad. A JTAC reported the missions as a success.

In Bari Kowt, and F-15E performed a show of force in order to deter enemy activities in the area. The mission was confirmed as successful by the JTAC.

In Orgune, a Royal Air Force GR-7 Harrier and an A-10 conducted shows of force to deter enemy activities in the area. A JTAC declared the missions a success.

In total, 30 close air support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

In Iraq, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons dropped GBU-38s onto an enemy position in the vicinity of Basrah. The mission was reported as successful by a JTAC.

An F-16 performed a show of force in Tikrit in order to deter enemy activities in the area. A JTAC confirmed the mission as successful.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 61 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-one Air Force, Navy, and RAF 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 153 airlift sorties were flown, 509 tons of cargo delivered and 5,315 passengers were transported.

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

On April 18, Air Force and RAF tanker crews flew 43 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.6 million pounds of fuel to 203 receiving aircraft.