May 20 airpower summary: A-10s provide overwatch

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNS) --  Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations May 20, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, a battle in Lashkar Gah which began May 18 continued.  Additional aircraft joined the fight, including Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles, A-10 Thunderbolt IIs, B-1B Lancers, MQ-1B Predators, and MQ-9A Reapers. Coordinating strikes to support ground forces, aircraft employed gun strafes, a variety of guided bomb unit types, and Hellfire missiles to destroy anti-Afghan forces fighting positions, sniper hideouts and mortar emplacements. Nearby, a Predator fired a Hellfire missile to stop a group of enemy personnel planting an improvised explosive device.

A Royal Air Force GR-9 Harrier conducted a show of force and launched flares to disperse a group of anti-Afghan forces who were attacking an Afghan security forces checkpoint. The maneuver removed the threat to the outpost when the attackers fled the area.

Near Qalat an A-10 conducted several shows of force with flare expenditures to ward off enemy forces near a coalition forward base. The aircraft also provided armed overwatch of the surrounding terrain.

An A-10 conducted a show of force to deter enemy aggression toward Afghan and coalition convoys. The jet provided escort for the convoys, helping to ensure an uneventful trip to their destinations supporting reconstruction and humanitarian operations.

In Asadabad, an F-15E conducted a show of force to prevent enemy aggression during an Afghan and coalition patrol. The patrol was conducted to provide safety for local residences.

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

In total, 63 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Nineteen 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, coalition aircraft flew 25 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-seven 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 3,500 passengers were transported.

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

On May 19, Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 45 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.7 million pounds of fuel to 204 receiving aircraft.