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Airpower Summary for October 18

  • Published
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Coalition airpower integrated with Coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations Oct. 18, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force B1-B Lancer successfully conducted a show of force with the use of flares in Ghazni. The Joint Terminal Attack Controller confirmed the mission was successful.

During that same mission in Ghazni, the B1-B struck a cave with Guided Bomb Unit-31s to limit potential use by enemy combatants. The air strike resulted in the destruction of the target. The mission was deemed successful by the JTAC.

A B1-B performed a show of force with the use of flares to support friendly ground forces conducting a patrol in Ghazni. The JTAC confirmed the mission achieved the desired result.

A French Mirage 2000 successfully destroyed an enemy position in Nangalam with a GBU-12. The JTAC confirmed the mission was successful.

During that same mission, the Mirage 2000 conducted a show of force in Bari Kowt. The mission was assessed as a success by the JTAC.

In Kamdish, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle performed a show of force while dispensing flares to deter enemy actions against friendly forces. The JTAC declared the mission achieved its desired effects.

A Royal Air Force Harrier GR-7 successfully dropped an Enhanced Paveway II munitions on a position used by enemy combatants in Garmsir. The JTAC confirmed the target was destroyed and the mission was successful.

In total, 35 close air support missions were flown in support of the International Security Assistance Force and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Eleven Air Force and Royal Air Force Surveillance and Reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan.

In Iraq, a B-1B destroyed unimproved roads used by enemy combatants with Guided Bomb Unit-31s and GBU-38s near Samarra. This will deter enemy activities and movements in the area. The mission achieved the desired result.

An enemy vehicle was targeted by F-16s with a GBU-38, GBU-12s and a maverick missile in Bayji. The vehicle was occupied by enemy combatants firing at friendly forces. The mission was successful.

While conducting an armed overwatch, an F-16 performed a show of force to deter enemy activities in Baghdad. The JTAC declared the mission a success.

A Royal Air Force Tornado GR-4 conducted a show of force to deter enemy activities in Baghdad. The mission was deemed successful by the JTAC.

In total, Coalition aircraft flew 50 close air support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions supported Coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided over watch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Twenty-two Air Force and Navy Surveillance and Reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, three Air Force and Royal Air Force aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

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

Approximately 164 airlift sorties were flown; 553 tons of cargo were delivered, and 4,280 passengers were transported. This included approximately 9,000 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Oct. 17, U.S. Air Force and Royal Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 41 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.6 million pounds of fuel to 199 receiving aircraft.

Correction for Oct. 16 Air Power Summary (released 17 Oct 07):
On Oct. 16, Approximately 167 airlift sorties were flown; 384 tons of cargo were delivered, and 4,127 passengers were transported.

Correction for Oct. 17 Air Power Summary (released 18 Oct 07):
On Oct. 17, Approximately 158 airlift sorties were flown; 321 tons of cargo were delivered, and 3,986 passengers were transported.