July 27 Airpower Summary: Tankers ensure global reach

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations July 27, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, a Navy F/A-18C Hornet dropped a guided bomb unit-38 onto an enemy fighting position engaging coalition forces in the vicinity of Mushan. An on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed the mission was successful.

Near Bagram, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped a GBU-31 onto enemy forces. The mission was reported successful by the JTAC.

An Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle dropped a GBU-12 onto an enemy vehicle and anti-Afghan forces placing an improvised explosive device. The JTAC declared the mission was successful.

French Mirage-2000s performed a show of force in the vicinity of Sangin to deter anti-Afghan activities. The JTAC confirmed the mission was successful.

F/A-18Cs conducted shows of force to deter enemy activities near Sangin.
The missions were reported successful by the JTACs.

F-15Es performed shows of force near Worzhanah Kalay to deter anti-Afghan activities. The JTACs declared the missions were successful.

In total, 68 close-air-support missions were flown as part of ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Twelve Air Force and Royal Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan.  Additionally, four Navy and RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, RAF GR-4 Harriers performed shows of force to deter enemy activities in the vicinity of Baqubah and Baghdad. The JTAC reported the missions were successful.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 25 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-two Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, four Air Force and RAF 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 110 airlift sorties were flown, 352 tons of cargo were delivered and 837 passengers were transported. The airlift included approximately 75,360 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On July 26, Air Force and RAF aerial refueling crews flew 52 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.6 million pounds of fuel to 192 receiving aircraft.