July 25 airpower summary: C-130s provide heavy airlift

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations July 25, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Royal Air Force GR7 Harriers dropped Enhanced Paveway II munitions and a 540-lb free fall bomb onto enemy firing positions and an enemy compound engaging coalition forces in the vicinity of Sangin. 

Furthermore, GR7s conducted a show of force to deter enemy activities. The joint terminal attack controllers reported the missions successful.

In the vicinity of Asadabad, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-31s and 38s onto anti-Afghan Forces. The mission was declared successful by the JTAC.

French Mirage-2000s performed shows of force near Qal-E-Naw to deter anti-Afghan activities. The JTAC confirmed the mission successful.

In total, 54 close air support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Eleven Air Force surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, two Royal Air Force 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 over watch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Twenty-four Air Force and Navy surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, four Air Force and Royal Air Force aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

U.S. Air Force C-130s and C-17s provided intra-theater heavy airlift, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 141 airlift sorties were flown, 475 tons of cargo delivered and 2,189 passengers were transported. This included approximately 48,000 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On July 24, U.S. Air Force, French, and Royal Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 64 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.3 million pounds of fuel to 281 receiving aircraft.