Airpower Continues To Be A Decisive Factor

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations April 17, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials in Southwest Asia. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles performed shows of force in order to deter enemy activities in Ghazni. An on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed that the missions were successful.

Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs performed shows of force in order to deter enemy activities in Gardez, Lwara and Zormat. A JTAC reported the success of the missions. In Nangalam, F-15s dropped guided bomb unit-38s in order to destroy enemy combatants engaging friendly forces. The success of the mission was declared by a JTAC.

An Air Force B-1B Lancer performed a show of force in order to deter enemy activities in Bermel. The success of the mission was confirmed by a JTAC. In total, 46 close-air-support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Eight Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, two Royal Air Force aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance. In Iraq, Navy F/A-18 Super Hornets performed shows of force in order to deter enemy activities in Baghdad. The success of the mission was reported by a JTAC. A Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet performed a show of force in order to deter enemy activities in Basra. The success of the mission was declared by a JTAC.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 23 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions integrated and synchronized coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided overwatch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Twelve Air Force and Navy intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, four RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intra-theater heavy airlift, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa. Approximately 64 airlift sorties were flown, 387 tons of cargo delivered and 1,189 passengers were transported. This included approximately 14,000 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

Coalition C-130 crews from Iraq flew as part of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq. On April 16, Air Force and RAF tanker crews flew 46 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.7 million pounds of fuel to 231 receiving aircraft.

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