Aug. 3 airpower summary: A-10s provide close-air support

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Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations August 3, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle dropped guided bomb unit-38s onto insurgents in an enemy compound near Gereshk. The mission was confirmed successful by an on-scene joint terminal attack controller.

Navy F/A-18F Super Hornets conducted shows of force to deter enemy activities in the vicinity of Sangin and Musa Qala. The JTACs reported the missions successful.

F-15Es performed a show of force to deter insurgent activities in the vicinity of Karizak. The mission was declared successful by a JTAC.

Near Tarin Kowt, French 2000 Mirages conducted shows of force to deter extremist activities. A JTAC confirmed the mission successful.

Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs performed shows of force to deter enemy activities in the vicinity of Asmar. The mission was reported 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.

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, coalition aircraft flew 54 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-five Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, two Royal 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 144 airlift sorties were flown, 528 tons of cargo delivered and 3,490 passengers were transported. This included approximately 43,640 pounds of troop re-supply airdropped in Afghanistan.

Coalition C-130 crews from Australia, Canada, Iraq and Korea flew as part of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.

On August 2, Air Force, French and RAF tanker crews flew 62 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.3 million pounds of fuel to 269 receiving aircraft.