Pat Dollard | Young Americans

MNF-I:

Airpower Summary for October 8

SOUTHWEST ASIA — Coalition airpower integrated with Coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations Oct. 8.

In Afghanistan, an enemy position in Asadabad was successfully struck by an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs using Guided Bomb Unit-12s. The Joint Tactical Attack Controller confirmed target was destroyed.

Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles struck an enemy defensive position using GBU-38s and a GBU-31 in Bari Kowt. The JTAC confirmed effective hits on the target.

An F-15 struck an enemy site in Bari Kowt using a GBU-31. The JTAC confirmed a successful strike on the enemy position.

During a show of force by an F-15, enemy activity was deterred in Kajaki Dam. The desired effect was declared successful by the JTAC.

A Royal Air Force Harrier GR-7 conducted a show of force in an area suspected of enemy activity in Tarin Kowt. The JTAC declared that the mission was successful.

A show of force was conducted by A-10s to deter enemy activity in Sangin. The JTAC concluded that the mission achieved its desired effect.

An A-10 performed a show of force to prevent enemy activities in Zormat. The mission achieved its desired effect as reported by the JTAC.

An Air Force B1-B Lancer conducted a show of force in order to deter enemy activity in Tarin Kowt. The JTAC declared the mission successful.

In total, 43 close air support missions were flown in support of the International Security Assistance Force and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

In Iraq, a B-1B targeted an enemy personnel staging area in Baghdad with GBU-31s and GBU-38s. The JTAC declared that the bomb hit the intended target and reported the strike as a success.

An Air Force MQ-1 Predator engaged enemy combatants with a hellfire rocket in Mosul. The mission was declared a success by the JTAC.

A Royal Air Force Tornado GR-4 conducted a show of force to prevent enemy activity while assisting friendly forces in Salman Pak. The JTAC declared the show of force a success.

In Baghdad, Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcons performed shows of force to demonstrate air power to potential enemy combatants during an armed overwatch. The JTAC deemed the action successful.

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

In total, Coalition aircraft flew 69 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 Air Force and Navy 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 163 airlift sorties were flown; 533 tons of cargo was delivered, and 3,499 passengers were transported. This included approximately 57,442 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. 7, U.S. Air Force, French and Royal Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 50 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.0 million pounds of fuel to 237 receiving aircraft.