April 19 airpower summary: C-130s and C-17s sustain fight

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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 April 19, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, a Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet flew a show of force over a suspected anti-Afghan forces ambush position which caused several enemy personnel to flee the area. The aircraft then stayed overhead to provide aerial overwatch of a coalition convoy as it passed through. A joint terminal attack controller assigned to a coalition ground unit verified the success of this mission.

In total, 76 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, four Navy and coalition aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, coalition aircraft flew 22 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.

Thirty Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. In addition, a 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 135 airlift sorties were flown, 775 tons of cargo were delivered and about 2,100 passengers were transported. Airlift included approximately 137,200 tons of aerial resupply dropped over Afghanistan.

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

On April 18, Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 37 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.4 million pounds of fuel to 143 receiving aircraft.