A-10s Show Strength Over Afghanistan

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations April 12, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials in Southeast Asia.

In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs dropped guided bomb unit-12s onto an enemy compound in the vicinity of Uruzgan. The joint terminal attack controller declared the mission a success.

In Bagram, A-10s fired cannon rounds and dropped general-purpose 500-pound bombs onto enemy locations. The mission was reported as successful by the JTAC.

Shows of force were conducted by A-10s in Uruzgan and Orgune in order to deter enemy activities in those areas. The JTAC confirmed the missions as a success.

An Air Force B-1B Lancer performed a show of force in Gereshk in order to deter enemy activities against a Coalition forces convoy. The mission was declared successful by the JTAC.

Shows of force were performed in Sangin by an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle and a Royal Air Force GR.7 Harrier. The JTAC reported the missions as a success.

In Khowst, a show of force was conducted by a French Air Force Mirage-2000 in order to deter enemy activities in the area. The mission was confirmed as successful by the JTAC.

In total, 45 close-air-support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

In Iraq, a Navy F/A-18C Hornet dropped a GBU-12 onto enemy artillery in the vicinity of Basrah. The JTAC declared the mission a success.

An Air Force MQ-1B Predator fired a hellfire missile onto an enemy combatant in the vicinity of Basrah. The mission was reported as successful by the JTAC.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 65 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-five 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 RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

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 159 airlift sorties were flown, 580 tons of cargo were delivered, and 2,973 passengers were transported. This included approximately 14,000 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On April 11, Air Force, French and RAF aerial tankers flew 51 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.1 million pounds of  fuel to 271 receiving aircraft.

FMI: www.af.mil