June 10 airpower summary: C-17s move outsized loads Published June 14, 2009 SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNS) -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations June 10, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle and B-1B Lancer employed guided bomb unit-31s and -38s against anti-Afghan forces fighting positions and two compounds, one which contained an enemy command post. Afghan and coalition ground forces had come under assault rifle fire from the positions. Near Konduz, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs conducted strafing runs to take out a group of anti-Afghan forces firing at and mortaring a coalition forward base from surrounding treelines. The aircraft performed a show of force and launched flares upon arrival, but when enemy gunmen continued firing, the aircraft used its 30mm Vulcan cannon to root out the positions. The aircraft marked enemy positions with smoke rounds and confirmed the locations with ground forces prior to opening fire, ensuring the right targets had been identified. An A-10 was called in after enemy personnel attacked an Afghan National Army convoy and then fled the area in a van. The A-10 used a smoke round as warning shot to stop the van, which was then intercepted by ANA troops who captured the enemy personnel. The A-10 performed shows of force over the area to prevent outside enemy intervention. Another A-10 and a coalition aircraft targeted anti-Afghan forces personnel with strafes and GBU-38s in Tarin Kowt. The jets struck groups of enemy gunmen armed with rocket-propelled grenade launchers and assault rifles after the shooters instigated a firefight. Near Tarin Kowt, a Royal Air Force GR-9 Harrier and a coalition aircraft flew shows of force after a friendly unit came under heavy fire. The arrival of the aircraft caused the enemy to reduce their shooting, allowing the unit to withdraw and regroup. An A-10 conducted several shows of force near Orgun to deter an enemy unit attacking a friendly convoy. The convoy was taking automatic weapons fire from several locations, which stopped after the aircraft's maneuvers. Near Farah, an F-15E flew a show of force over an enemy position, causing the gunmen to flee. The gunmen had engaged an Afghan convoy with rifle fire. Air Force and coalition aircraft flew shows of force near Morghab after an Afghan convoy was targeted by gunmen along a hillside overlooking the road. The shows of force ended the engagement, allowing the convoy to proceed. Joint terminal attack controllers assigned to coalition units verified the success of these missions. In total, 59 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols. Twenty Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan. In addition, two coalition aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance. In Iraq, an Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon flew a show of force to deter an insurgent attack after an Iraqi convoy vehicle was hit with an RPG. The aircraft used the maneuver in lieu of employing deadly force to prevent damage to civilian residences the insurgents were using as cover. Coalition aircraft flew 23 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 140 airlift sorties were flown, 430 tons of cargo were delivered and about 3655 passengers were transported. Airlift included about 36,000 pounds of aerial resupply cargo dropped over Afghanistan. Coalition C-130 crews flew as part of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq. On Jun 9, Air Force HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopters and "Guardian Angel" teams transported 7 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 Pave Hawk 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 42 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.4 million pounds of fuel to 138 receiving aircraft.