Nov. 3 airpower summary: C-130s sustain global airlift

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNS) --  Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Nov. 3, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles and Navy F/A-18F Super Hornets dropped guided bomb unit-12s, GBU-38s and fired cannon rounds onto a building where anti-Afghan forces were hunkered down and firing at coalition forces near Kandahar. The mission was confirmed a success by an on-scene joint terminal attack controller.

Near Qalat, Navy F/A-18C Hornets fired cannon rounds onto enemy fighters who were attacking a coalition convoy with rocket propelled grenades and small arms fire. A JTAC reported the mission successful.

An F-15E conducted a show of force to deter enemy activities and provide armed aerial overwatch for coalition ground forces who were under imminent threat in the vicinity of Moqor and near Morghab. The mission was declared a success by a JTAC.

In the vicinity of Shurakian, an F-18C conducted a show of force to deter enemy activities. A JTAC reported the mission successful.

F-15Es and Navy F/A-18E Super Hornets performed shows of force and provided armed aerial overwatch to deter anti-Afghan forces from firing at a coalition convoy as friendly forces conducted IED sweep operations in the vicinity of Oruzgan. The mission was confirmed successful by a JTAC.

In total, 70 close-air-support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

In Iraq, a coalition aircraft conducted a show of force and provided armed aerial overwatch for coalition forces retrieving a disable vehicle in the vicinity of Al Amarah. A JTAC confirmed the mission successful.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 50 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-one Air Force, Navy and coalition ISR aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, three Navy 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 130 airlift sorties were flown, nearly 650 tons of cargo delivered and more than 2,800 passengers were transported. This included approximately 87,000 pounds of troop resupply airdropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Nov. 2, Air Force and coalition tanker crews flew 51 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.3 million pounds of fuel to 288 receiving aircraft.