Oct. 27 airpower summary: KC-135 provides fuel support

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

In Afghanistan, coalition aircraft dropped guided bomb unit-12s onto a tree line in the vicinity of Now Zad where enemy fighters were firing mortars and rockets against coalition forces. The mission was confirmed a success by an on-scene joint terminal attack controller.

In the vicinity of Farah, coalition aircraft performed shows of force to deter enemy activities. The JTACs reported the missions successful.

Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs conducted shows of force to deter anti-Afghan forces activity in the areas near Soltani and in the vicinity of Jalalabad. The missions were declared successful by the JTACs.

In the vicinity of Qalat, an Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon dropped a GBU-12 onto enemy fighters who were firing rocket-propelled grenades against coalition forces. In addition, the F-16 conducted a show of force to deter further enemy activity in the area. The JTACs confirmed the missions successful.

A Navy F/A-18A Hornet dropped a GBU-12 onto enemy positions along a tree line in the vicinity of Gereshk. Furthermore, an F-16 conducted a show of force to deter anti-Afghan activity in the same area. The missions were declared a success by the JTACs.

In the vicinity of Gardez and Ghazni, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle conducted a show of force to deter enemy activity. The JTACs reported the missions successful.

In total, 68 close-air-support missions were flown as part 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, four Navy and coalition aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, coalition aircraft flew 48 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.

Thirty Air Force, Navy and coalition 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.

Approximately 140 airlift sorties were flown, nearly 500 tons of cargo delivered and more than 4,300 passengers were transported. This included approximately 14,200 pounds of troop resupply airdropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Oct. 26, Air Force and coalition tanker crews flew 53 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.4 million pounds of fuel to 263 receiving aircraft.