May 1 airpower summary: A-10 provides show of force

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNS) --  Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations May 1, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle engaged hostile-firing positions on a ridgeline near Asmar after anti-Afghan forces conducted an attack against a coalition observation post. Enemy forces had been using the positions to send mortar and small-arms fire down on the coalition post. The strike, carried out with guided bomb unit-38s, was coordinated with ground personnel to ensure the bombs landed on enemy targets.

Near Khowst, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II carried out a show of force to deter an enemy force which was firing mortars and assault weapons at Afghan National Army and coalition troops. The maneuver suppressed the enemy fire.

Near Lashkar Gah, coalition aircraft performed shows of force while escorting friendly convoys in order to prevent enemy attacks. One aircraft flew a show of force after the convoy started taking small-arms fire, while the other maneuvered over an enemy position, causing anti-Afghan forces personnel to retreat.

An F-15E conducted a show of force and expended flares to provide additional security for a coalition patrol base. Enemy forces had been suspected of setting up fighting positions nearby. The aircraft also provided escort for a coalition supply convoy.

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

In total, 57 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the 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 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-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 133 airlift sorties were flown; 360 tons of cargo was delivered; and about 2,700 passengers were transported.

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

On April 30, Air Force tankers flew 45 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.1 million pounds of fuel to 245 receiving aircraft.