June 13 airpower summary: Refuelers extend global reach

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations June 13, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles conducted shows of force in the vicinity of Tarin Kowt, Sangin, and Lashkar Gah to deter enemy activities in those areas. An on-scene joint terminal attack controller declared the missions successful.

An F-15E dropped a guided bomb unit-38 onto an anti-Afghan forces fighting position in the vicinity of Asadabad. Also in the vicinity of Asadabad, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs conducted shows of force to deter enemy activities in the area. The missions were reported as successful by a JTAC. 

A French Mirage-2000 performed shows of force to deter enemy activities in the Tarin Kowt area. A JTAC confirmed the missions as a success.

In total, 52 close-air-support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Ten Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan.

In Iraq, a Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet conducted a show of force over an enemy building in the vicinity of Samarra. The mission was declared successful by a JTAC.

An Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon performed a show of force over a coalition forces convoy in the vicinity of Al Kut. A JTAC reported the mission as a success.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 73 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, Navy, and Royal Australian Air Force ISR aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, eight Air Force, Navy and 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 140 airlift sorties were flown, 755 tons of cargo delivered, and 2,687 passengers were transported. This included approximately 37,950 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On June 12, Air Force, French, RAF and Singaporean tanker crews flew 61 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.5 million pounds of fuel to 295 receiving aircraft.