Oct. 29 airpower summary: C-130s transport troops, cargo

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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 Oct. 29, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, a Navy F/A-18A Hornet and a coalition aircraft dropped guided bomb unit-12s onto enemy positions in a tree line using mortar and rocket fire against coalition forces in the vicinity of Shurakian. Furthermore, the coalition aircraft conducted a show of force to deter further enemy activity in the area. The missions were confirmed a success by an on-scene joint terminal attack controllers.

In the vicinity of Bari Kowt, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle performed a show of force to provide armed aerial overwatch for a coalition convoy in the area. A JTAC reported the mission successful.

An Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II conducted a show of force to deter anti-Afghan forces activity in the area near Khowst. The mission was declared successful by a JTAC.

In total, 69 close-air-support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Sixteen 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 45 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 terrorist activities.

Twenty-four Air Force, Navy and coalition ISR aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, two Air Force 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 143 airlift sorties were flown, 441 tons of cargo delivered and 3,983 passengers were transported. This included approximately 36,600 pounds of troop resupply airdropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Oct. 28, Air Force and coalition tanker crews flew 56 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.9 million pounds of fuel to 274 receiving aircraft.