July 18 airpower summary Published July 21, 2009 SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNS) -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations July 18, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. Near Lashkar, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II's strafed an enemy position after friendly forces were hit with an improvised explosive device. Enemy forces at this position were directing small-arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades on the friendly forces. All weapons fire from the enemy position ceased upon completion of strafing run. At Sangin, Navy F/A-18F Super Hornets rolled in to provide cover for coalition forces taking small-arms fire. The show of force eliminated the threat to coalition forces. Navy F/A-18E Super Hornets at Lashkar Gah rolled in to provide cover for a friendly forces convoy taking RPG and small-arms fire. During this skirmish, there were shows of force and numerous flares expended causing the enemy to stop the attack on the convoy. Near Tarin Kowt, Navy F/A-18C Hornets demonstrated shows of force on anti-coalition forces who had been firing rockets on coalition and friendly forces. Enemy forces ceased fire after several flares were expended. Armed overwatch was provided for several more hours. At Qalat, an Air Force B-1B Lancer provided shows of force cover for coalition forces taking small-arms fire. No flares were expended in the show of force that eliminated the threat to coalition forces. Near Soltani, several A-10's provided protection to friendly forces that were under hostile action from enemy forces. Several five-hundred pound bombs were dropped on the enemy position and the hostile action was terminated. Joint terminal attack controllers assigned to coalition units verified the success of these missions. Twenty-four Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan. In addition, three aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance. In total, 70 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols. 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-three 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 34 airlift sorties were flown, 1,157 tons of cargo were delivered and about 2,721 passengers were transported. Airlift included about 107,400 pounds of aerial resupply cargo dropped over Afghanistan. Coalition C-130 crews flew as part of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq. On July 17, Air Force HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopters and "Guardian Angel" teams transported 11 patients to coalition field hospitals from locations in Afghanistan. Pararescue team members aboard the helicopters located, rescued and began treatment to stabilize patients in the battlefield. The Pave Hawks 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 49 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.7 million pounds of fuel to 186 receiving aircraft.