Aug. 6 airpower summary: C-17s deliver for warfighters

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNS) --  Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations August 6, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided armed overwatch for friendly forces near Lashkar Gah. Strafing runs were requested on enemy positions to deter any enemy action and deemed successful after completion. A show of force on the enemy position continued to subdue threats to friendly forces.

Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles were providing armed overwatch near Asmar when they were requested to eliminate enemy positions engaging friendly forces with small arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades. A strafing run on the enemy position was conducted and the enemy positions were subsequently destroyed by precision guided munitions.

Near Asadabad, F-15Es were providing armed overwatch when friendly forces requested an imminent threat neutralized. The F-15Es strafed an enemy troop movement and then deployed precision guided munitions that destroyed the enemy threat.

At Qalat, A-10s were providing armed overwatch when friendly forces requested air support against anti-Afghan forces possibly planting an improvised explosive device. The A-10s executed a show of force on the enemy fighting position eliminating the threat. 

F-15Es near the town of Gardez provided a successful show of force for coalition forces on convoy to deter enemy small arms fire. The aircraft then continued to provide armed overwatch.

Joint terminal attack controllers assigned to coalition units verified the success of these missions.

In total, 82 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Twenty-eight Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan. In addition, two Air Force aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, coalition aircraft flew 22 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions integrated and synchronized with coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided overwatch for reconstruction activities, and helped to deter and disrupt hostile activities.

Twenty-eight 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.

Approximately 155 airlift sorties were flown, 467 short tons of cargo were delivered and about 3,350 passengers were transported. This included about 150,000 pounds of aerial resupply cargo dropped over Afghanistan.

Coalition C-130 crews flew as part of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.

On Aug. 5, Air Force HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters and "Guardian Angel" teams transported 19 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-60Gs 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 tanker crews flew 53 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.8 million pounds of fuel to 215 receiving aircraft.