July 31 airpower summary: Tankers bring fuel to the fight Published Aug. 1, 2008 SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations July 31, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle fired cannon rounds at anti-Afghan forces engaging coalition forces near Bagram. The mission was declared successful by an on-scene joint terminal attack controller. In the vicinity of Nangalam, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs fired cannon rounds and dropped a general-purpose 500-pound bomb onto anti-Afghan fighting positions. The JTAC confirmed the mission was successful. F-15Es conducted shows of force to deter enemy activities near Bagram, Gardez, and Tarin Kowt and in the vicinity of Lwara and Asadabad. The missions were reported as successful by the JTACs. A-10s performed shows of force near Khowst to deter anti-Afghan activities. The JTAC declared the mission was successful. Navy F/A-18C Hornets conducted shows of force near Shinkay to deter enemy activities. The mission was confirmed successful by the JTAC. In total, 71 close-air-support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols. Fourteen Air Force and Royal Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, six Navy and RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance. In Iraq, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons dropped GBU-12s and 38s onto weapon caches in the vicinity of Tharthar. The JTAC reported the mission was successful. F-16s performed shows of force in the vicinity of Baqubah to deter enemy activities. The missions were declared successful by the JTACs. In total, coalition aircraft flew 31 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions integrated and synchronized with coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided over watch 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 Navy 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, 473 tons of cargo were delivered and 2,921 passengers were transported. The airlift included approximately 33,700 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan. Coalition C-130 crews from Australia, Iraq, Japan and Korea flew as part of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq. On July 30, Air Force and RAF aerial refueling crews flew 58 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.6 million pounds of fuel to 209 receiving aircraft.