Sept. 30 airpower summary: C-130s support airlift missions

  • Published
SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNS) --  Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Sept. 30, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs dropped guided bomb unit-38s onto anti-Afghan forces engaging coalition forces with small arms fire in the vicinity of Bari Kowt. The mission was confirmed successful by an on-scene joint terminal attack controller.

Near Qalat, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped GBU-31s onto anti-Afghan forces engaging friendly forces with small arms fire. A JTAC reported the mission successful.
In total, 48 close-air-support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

In Iraq, an Air Force F-16 dropped a GBU-38 onto an enemy mortar in the vicinity of Balad. The mission was declared successful by a JTAC.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 40 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 and Navy 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 120 airlift sorties were flown, 451 tons of cargo delivered and 2,636 passengers were transported. This included approximately 24,000 pounds of troop resupply airdropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Sept. 29, Air Force and coalition tanker crews flew 50 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.2 million pounds of fuel to 265 receiving aircraft.