Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and
International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan in
the following operations May 13, according to Combined Air and
Space Operations Center officials. In Afghanistan, an Air Force
B-1B Lancer dropped multiple guided bomb unit-31s on insurgent
compounds near Kajaki Sofia. The aircrew dropped GBU-38s on other
enemy targets as well. An on-scene joint terminal attack controller
reported the drops were a success. The B-1 also performed a show of
presence on a coalition route in the area.
U.S. Navy F/A-18 Hornets dropped GBU-12s and fired 20mm cannon
rounds at enemy vehicles and a sniper near Tarin Kowt. The hits
were confirmed successful. Near Now Zad, Navy F/A-18 Super Hornets
dropped GBU-12s on enemies in the area including a sniper. The JTAC
confirmed the bombs hit their targets. Also in Now Zad, an F/A-18
dropped a GBU-12 on insurgents moving toward a disabled vehicle.
The attack was confirmed successful by the JTAC. The pilot also
searched the area for high value targets.
An Air Force MQ-1 Predator fired a Hellfire missile at enemy
targets fleeing from the attack by the F/A-18 mentioned above. The
attack was reported a success. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles hit an
insurgent compound with a GBU-38s and cannon rounds. A JTAC
reported the attacks were successful. The pilots remained in the
area to search for more enemy activity. JTACs are highly trained
U.S. Air Force and coalition personnel who advise ground commanders
on appropriate air power support, relay the ground commander's
intent to air power assets overhead and communicate with aircrews
for precision engagement.
French Mirage 2000 fighters dropped GBU-12s and multiple flares
supporting coalition forces confronting enemy targets near Orgun-E.
Also in Orgun-E, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs strafed enemy
positions with 30mm rounds, helping coalition forces taking fire in
the area.
Other A-10s provided a show of force supporting a convoy
receiving mortar and small arms fire near Ali Kheyl. The show of
force was reported successful and the enemy dissipated.
In total, 47 close-air-support missions were flown in support of
ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and
route patrols. Eleven Air Force intelligence, surveillance and
reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in
Afghanistan. Additionally, four Air Force and Royal Air Force
aircraft provided tactical reconnaissance.
In Iraq, a Predator fired a Hellfire missile at insurgents
placing an IED near Balad. The strike was confirmed as successful
by a JTAC. Near Iskandariyah, A-10s executed a show of force,
dispensing multiple flares after a JTAC came under enemy fire. The
JTAC reported the show of force was successful.
Navy F/A-18s provided overwatch and a show of force for a convoy
receiving small-arms fire near Haqlaniyah.
Over Baghdad, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons provided a show of
force and presence to a vehicle moving in the area deemed
restricted. The show of force was reported as successful. The
pilots also looked for improvised explosive devices. Near Baquba,
F-16s provided armed overwatch for quick-response forces receiving
enemy fire during a raid on an enemy position. The pilots also
performed a show of force for coalition forces in the area. The
JTAC reported the show of force was successful.
Also near Baquba, F-16 aircrews, supporting the search for
individuals listed as missing in action, reported possible IED
emplacers to a JTAC in the area. F-16s provided armed overwatch
during a raid in which detainees were captured near Salmon Park.
They also provided overwatch for U.S. Army AH-64 Apaches strafing
an insurgent location.
In total, coalition aircraft flew 53 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.
Fifteen Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions in support
of operations in Iraq. Additionally, three Air Force and RAF
fighter aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance. Air Force C-130
Hercules aircraft and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intra-theater
heavy airlift support, helping to sustain operations throughout
Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa. Approximately 150 airlift
sorties were flown; and more than 305 tons of cargo were delivered
and approximately 3,600 passengers were transported. This included
more than 25,100 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in
Afghanistan.
Coalition C-130 crews from Australia, Iraq and Japan flew in
support of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq. On May 12, Air Force,
RAF, French and Republic of Singapore tankers flew 47 sorties and
off-loaded approximately 2.7 million pounds of fuel to 229
receiving aircraft.