July 27 airpower summary: B-1B provides overwatch

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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 July 27, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

Near Shurakian, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and coalition aircraft provided armed overwatch for a friendly convoy. Enemy forces opened heavy small-arms fire from a tree line position on the friendly forces. The A-10s strafed the enemy position multiple times and then dropped several guided bomb unit-38s. Coalition aircraft also dropped several GBU-12s on the same location. Friendly forces were able to safely evacuate under air cover.

A patrol that struck an improvised explosive device requested air support from A-10s that were providing armed overwatch at Surkhabad. The A-10s provided a show of force including release of flares over the friendly position to help secure the location.

Air Force B-1B Lancers provided armed overwatch for friendly forces in Qal-E-Naw. Enemy forces were seen converging on the friendly forces and a show of force was demonstrated causing the enemy to retreat.

In Sangin, Air Force MQ-9A Reapers and A-10s prevented enemy attacks on friendly forces and the civilian population. Aircraft provided surveillance for ground forces that led to apprehension of several anti-Afghan forces. Aircrews also detected enemy forces attempting to plant an improvised explosive device; a missile was launched and terminated the threat.

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

In total, 80 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 Navy aircraft and two coalition 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-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.

Approximately 39 airlift sorties were flown, 1,019 tons of cargo was delivered and about 3,750 passengers were transported. This included about 212,500 pounds of aerial resupply cargo dropped over Afghanistan.

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

On July 26, Air Force HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters and "Guardian Angel" teams transported five 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 47 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.7 million pounds of fuel to 225 receiving aircraft.