Airpower Summary for April 15: Predator strikes enemy

Published April 16, 2008

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Coalition airpower integrated with Coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations April 15, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs performed shows of force in order to deter enemy activities in Gardez and Orgune. The Joint Terminal Attack Controller confirmed the success of the missions.

In Kandahar, French Mirage-2000s performed shows of force in order to deter enemy activities. The mission's success was declared by the JTAC.

In order to deter enemy activities a British GR.7 Harrier performed a show of force. The success of the mission was reported by the JTAC.

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

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

In Iraq, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons performed shows of force in order to deter enemy activities in Baghdad and Baqubah. The missions were confirmed successful by the JTAC.

In Basrah, an Air Force MQ-1B Predator dropped hellfire missiles in order to destroy an enemy RPG team and an enemy vehicle carrying RPGs. In addition a British GR.4 Tornado performed a show of force in order to deter any further activities. The JTAC declared that the missions were successful.

In total, Coalition aircraft flew 57 close air support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions integrated and synchronized Coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided over watch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

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

U.S. Air Force C-130s and C-17s provided intra-theater heavy airlift, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 153 airlift sorties were flown; 606 tons of cargo delivered, and 3,682 passengers were transported. This included approximately 27,410 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 14, U.S. Air Force, French, and Royal Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 50 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.1 million pounds of fuel to 248 receiving aircraft.