Oct. 21 airpower summary: A-10s provide escort for convoys

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNS) --  Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Oct. 21, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II fired cannon rounds onto anti-Afghan forces in the open in the vicinity of Khowst. Furthermore, an A-10 conducted a show of force to deter enemy activity in the same area. The missions were confirmed successful by the on-scene joint terminal attack controllers.

In the vicinity of Nangalam, an A-10 dropped a guided bomb unit-38 onto anti-Afghan forces that had fired at a coalition convoy. Near Asmar, the same A-10 provided convoy escort to deter enemy insurgents until the coalition convoy reached the forward operating base. The JTACs reported the missions successful.

Navy F/A-18 Hornets dropped a GBU-38 and GBU-12s onto enemy forces hiding in a tree line in the vicinity of Musa Qal'Eh. In addition, a Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet conducted a show of force to deter enemy activities in the same area. The missions were declared successful by the JTACs.

Near Kandahar, an Air Force MQ-1B Predator fired hellfire missiles onto enemy insurgents placing improvised explosive devices along a route to the city. Furthermore, a Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet conducted a show of force to deter enemy activities and placement of IED's near the same area. The JTACs confirmed the missions successful.

Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles conducted shows of force to provide armed aerial overwatch for a coalition forces convoy taking small-arms fire near Gardez. The mission was reported a success by a JTAC.

In the vicinity of Moqor, an F/A-18 conducted a show of force to deter enemy activities. A JTAC declared the mission successful.

Coalition aircraft performed shows of force in the vicinity of Morghab and Tarin Kowt to deter enemy activities. The missions where confirmed a success by the JTACs.

In total, 73 close-air-support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

In Iraq, an Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon performed a show of force in the vicinity of Baqubah to deter enemy activities. A JTAC confirmed the mission successful.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 44 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 six 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, more than 400 tons of cargo delivered, and nearly 2,700 passengers were transported. This included approximately 127,500 pounds of troop resupply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Oct. 20, Air Force and coalition aerial refueling crews flew 55 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.6 million pounds of fuel to 315 receiving aircraft.