Oct. 7 airpower summary: Reaper eliminates threat Published Oct. 11, 2009 SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNS) -- Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Oct. 7, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II, F-15E Strike Eagle and MQ-1B Predator aircraft in Afghanistan provided overwatch for friendly forces in the Asmar area. When the friendly forces reported small-arms fire from a confirmed enemy position, shows of force were conducted. When enemy fire started again, precision guided munitions and a rocket were released and strafing runs were made to destroy the position. A-10 aircraft were in the vicinity of Balocan providing armed overwatch for friendly forces when the friendly forces reported receiving indiscriminate enemy fire, a rocket was fired. No further action was noted. At Now Zad, Marine AV-8B Harrier aircraft provided overwatch for friendly forces. While providing reconnaissance over the area, suspicious activity was noted in a compound. A show of force was conducted successfully terminating the threatening action. An Air Force MQ-9A Reaper aircraft in Lowkhi provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. The Reaper aircrew used precision-guided munitions and a missile to destroy a known enemy compound, eliminating the threat. There were MQ-1B Predator aircraft overhead at Sangin providing armed overwatch. The Predator noticed suspicious activity and confirmed a mortar site in process of completion. A missile was launched on the enemy target successfully destroying it. In the vicinity of Chahar Bagh, F-15E aircraft were providing armed overwatch for friendly forces inspecting abandoned vehicles. When enemy personnel were spotted in the same area, precision-guided munitions were deployed eliminating the threat and the vehicle. In total, 89 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols. Thirty Air Force, Navy and coalition intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan. In addition, two Navy aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance. In total, 24 close-air-support missions were flown in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions integrated and synchronized with ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided overwatch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt hostile activities Twenty-five Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. In addition, two Air Force 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. Air Force airlift crews flew 168 airlift sorties, 508 short tons of cargo were delivered and about 3,300 passengers were transported. This included about 36,000 pounds of aerial resupply cargo dropped over Afghanistan. Coalition C-130 crews flew as part of operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. On Oct. 6, Air Force HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters and "Guardian Angel" teams transported 11 patients to coalition field hospitals from locations in Afghanistan. Pararescue team members aboard located, rescued and began treatment to stabilize patients in the battlefield. The HH-60G transported these patients to field hospitals in less time than it takes for a civilian patient to reach emergency care by ambulance in most major cities. Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 51 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.4 million pounds of fuel to 267 receiving aircraft.