May 2 airpower summary: C-17s provide heavy airlift Published May 4, 2009 SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNS) -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations May 2, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs dropped guided bomb unit-38s against enemy targets including a weapons cache and a cave being used as an enemy outpost in the area around Asmar. The strikes took place after Afghan National Army and coalition ground forces began taking fire from anti-Afghan gunmen. In the Orgun area, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles and A-10 Thunderbolt IIs conducted shows of force over an area where a coalition humanitarian convoy was attacked by multiple improvised explosive devices. The maneuvers suppressed enemy activity while the convoy returned to base. Near Lashkar Gah, a Royal Air Force GR-9 Harrier and a Navy F/A-18C Hornet flew shows of force and expended flares after personnel were spotted conducting suspicious activities, and later when anti-Afghan forces were shooting at a friendly convoy. The shows of force succeeded in both cases in stopping hostile actions. A Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet flew a show of force and expended flares over Delaram after a friendly supply convoy had a vehicle break an axle. The show of force caused personnel near the vehicle to disperse, preventing confrontation on the ground as the vehicle was restored to operating order. Joint terminal attack controllers assigned to coalition units verified the success of these missions. In total, 68 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols. Eighteen 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 18 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-six 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; 400 tons of cargo was delivered; and about 3,800 passengers were transported. Coalition C-130 crews flew as part of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq. On May 1, Air Force tankers flew 38 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.5 million pounds of fuel to 166 receiving aircraft.