May 11 airpower summary: C-17s provide heavy airlift

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

In Afghanistan, a flight of Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs carried out an air-support mission over an Afghan Border Patrol checkpoint near Shinkay after anti-Afghan gunmen attacked Afghan personnel. The gunships performed several shows of force and launched flares and fired smoke rounds as a warning shot, driving off the gunmen.

A coalition aircraft and an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle conducted shows of force to protect an Afghan National Army post. The ANA post was under fire from sniper fire as well as taking rocket-propelled grenade and small-arms fire. The aircraft also provided overhead cover until the post could be relieved by additional coalition and Afghan forces.

In the Qalat area, a Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet flew a show of force promptly after a friendly military vehicle had been damaged by an improvised explosive device. The maneuver caused enemy personnel in the area to flee the scene, allowing the convoy to return to base safely.

A-10s provided several shows of force and launched flares over an Afghan Border Patrol outpost in Ghazni after enemy personnel crossed in from Pakistan and attacked Afghan government troops. The A-10s arrival caused the enemy forces to run away into the mountains.

In Asadabad, an A-10 performed shows of force at the request of a humanitarian supply convoy in order to prevent an enemy attack. The jet's presence prevented the enemy from interfering with the convoy's mission.

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

In total, 75 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, four Navy and coalition aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons carried out deliberate strikes near Baghdad and Mosul while supporting Iraqi security forces operations. The aircraft used guided bomb unit-38s to strike enemy ammo storage bunkers and facilities.  An F-16 also carried out a show of force as a demonstration of presence on behalf of Iraqi security forces.

Coalition aircraft flew 24 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, three Air Force and coalition 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 150 airlift sorties were flown, 525 tons of cargo were delivered and about 3,300 passengers were transported. Airlift included approximately 139,400 pounds of resupply cargo airdropped over Afghanistan.

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

On May 10, Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 47 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.7 million pounds of fuel to 215 receiving aircraft.