Nov. 21 Airpower Summary: A-10s conduct close-air support

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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 Nov. 21, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs dropped a guided bomb unit-38 onto anti-Afghan forces who were firing rocket propelled grenades at coalition forces from inside a compound in the vicinity of Musa Qal' Eh.  A-10s also conducted shows of force to deter enemy activities and provided armed aerial overwatch for a coalition foot patrol in the same area. The missions were confirmed a success by on-scene joint terminal attack controllers.

Near Moqor, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle conducted a show of force to deter enemy activities and provide armed aerial overwatch for a coalition convoy that struck an improvised explosive device. The JTAC declared the mission was successful.

A-10s also conducted shows of force in the vicinity of Worzhanah Kalay and Qalat. The JTACs reported the missions were successful.

In the vicinity of Khowst, an F-15E performed a show of force and provided armed aerial overwatch for a coalition convoy that was hit by a vehicle-born IED. The mission was confirmed a success by the JTAC.

A coalition aircraft conducted a show of force in the vicinity of Tarin Kowt. The JTAC reported the mission successful.

In total, 53 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Fourteen Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, two coalition aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, coalition aircraft flew 47 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-nine Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, 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.

About 110 airlift sorties were flown, more than 450 tons of cargo were delivered and nearly 3,400 passengers were transported. Airlift included nearly 40,000 pounds of troop re-supply that was air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Nov. 20, Air Force and coalition aerial refueling crews flew 53 sorties and off-loaded about 3.4 million pounds of fuel to 302 receiving aircraft.