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Airpower Summary for October 9 -- JTACs work with Coalition forces, jets

  • 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. 9, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, a show of force was conducted by Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs to deter enemy actions toward Coalition forces moving through Orgune. The Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) confirmed the mission successful.

A Royal Air Force Harrier GR-9 fired rockets at enemy forces while supporting Coalition forces in Garmsir. The JTAC declared mission successful.

An Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle conducted a show of force to prevent enemy activity in Garmsir. The JTAC declared the show of force as a success.

During the same mission, F-15s conducted a strike on an enemy compound using Guided Bomb Unit-38s in Garmsir. The JTAC confirmed the bombs destroyed the target.
An Air Force B1-B Lancer conducted a bombardment of enemy sites using a GBU-38 and GBU-31s in Uruzgan. The JTAC confirmed that the bombs hit the desired target.

In Bermal, a GR-9 provided close air support to Coalition ground forces with the use of rockets against an enemy firing position. The desired effect was achieved and the mission was declared a success by the JTAC.

Enemy forces inside a cave in Bari Kowt were struck by A-10 Thunderbolt IIs using a GBU-12 and cannon rounds. The JTAC confirmed that the mission was a success.

In Orgune, A-10s supported a Coalition convoy movement by using shows of force to deter enemy attacks. The JTAC declared the mission successful.

In total, 41 close air support missions were flown in support of the International Security Assistance Force and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Seven Air Force Surveillance and Reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, three Royal Air Force aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, an Air Force MQ-1 Predator engaged enemy combatants with a hellfire rocket in Baghdad. The mission was declared a success by the JTAC.

A Navy F/A-18C Hornet conducted a show of force with flares in Baquabah to deter enemy actions. The JTAC on the ground declared the show of force a success.

During an armed overwatch, F/A-18Cs conducted shows of force with the use of flares to prevent enemy activities in Baquabah. The JTAC declared the show of force a success.

An F/A-18C performed a show of force expending flares to deter enemy actions prior to a raid on a house by Coalition Forces in Baghdad. The mission achieved the desired result as reported by the JTAC.

A Royal Air Force Tornado GR-4 conducted a show of force to deter resistance during a preplanned arrest operation by Coalition Forces in Baquabah. The JTAC declared that the mission was successful.

In total, Coalition aircraft flew 65 close air support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions supported Coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided overwatch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Twenty-one Air Force and Royal Australian Air Force Surveillance and Reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, seven Air Force, Navy 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 142 airlift sorties were flown; 302 tons of cargo were delivered, and 3,388 passengers were transported. This included approximately 53,110 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Oct. 8, U.S. Air Force, French and Royal Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 52 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.3 million pounds of fuel to 269 receiving aircraft.