May 5 airpower summary: A-10s unleash lethal firepower

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

In Afghanistan, a coalition aircraft and a Royal Air Force GR-9 Harrier bombed an enemy bunker and other enemy firing positions using a variety of precision munitions. The aircraft struck enemy forces who had opened up heavy fire against Afghan security forces and coalition personnel.

Near Parmakan, Navy F/A-18F Super Hornets conducted shows of force after anti-Afghan personnel ambushed an Afghan and coalition convoy. Enemy forces had detonated an improvised explosive device and begun firing automatic weapons at the convoy. The maneuvers allowed friendly forces to safely withdraw and regroup.

In the Qalat region, a Super Hornet hit an enemy force on a ridgeline using a guided bomb unit-38 after anti-Afghan personnel started shooting at friendly security forces. The jet also conducted two shows of force prior to releasing weapons in an unheeded effort to deter enemy gunmen by using less than lethal force.

Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and F-15E Strike Eagles engaged anti-Afghan positions using GBU-31s and -38s. The aircraft destroyed a cave complex being used as an enemy base when enemy personnel started shooting at coalition and Afghan soldiers.

A Navy F/A-18F and an Air Force B-1B Lancer flew shows of force near Tarin Kowt after enemy forces detonated an IED against an Afghan and coalition convoy. The arrival of aircraft deterred additional confrontation and allowed the convoy to proceed without further hindrance.

Near Shurakian, a B-1B providing overwatch for a friendly ground unit carried out a show of force when anti-Afghan forces started launching mortars. The maneuvers caused enemy personnel to cease fire and withdraw.

F/A-18Fs over Gereshk flew shows of force to dissuade enemy forces from attacking coalition and Afghan convoys. The convoys successfully completed their reconstruction and humanitarian missions without enemy interference.

In the area near Mushan, an F-15E performed a show of force at the request of coalition ground forces in order to deter enemy actions.

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 ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Twenty-two Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan. In addition, two Navy aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, coalition aircraft flew 9 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.

Thirteen 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 110 airlift sorties were flown, 550 tons of cargo were delivered and about 2,600 passengers were transported. Airlift included approximately 83,800 pounds of resupply cargo airdropped over Afghanistan.

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

On May 4, Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 49 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.0 million pounds of fuel to 243 receiving aircraft.