June 6 airpower summary: C-17s 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 during operations June 6, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles performed shows of force in order to deter enemy activities in Bermel, Gardez, Kabul, and Khowst. joint terminal attack controllers confirmed the missions were successful.

Near Bagram, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs dropped guided bomb unit-12s to destroy enemy combatants. In addition, A-10s performed shows of force to deter further enemy activities. The JTAC reported the missions were successful.

In Now Zad, F-15Es dropped GBU-12s to destroy enemy combatants. The JTAC declared the mission successful.

An Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped GBU-31s to destroy an enemy staging area. The JTAC confirmed the mission was successful.

In total, 52 close-air-support missions were flown as part of the 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, two RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, coalition aircraft flew 56 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions integrated and synchronized Coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided over watch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Twenty-two Air Force and Navy intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, nine Air Force, Navy and RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance. 

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

Approximately 131 airlift sorties were flown, 505 tons of cargo delivered and 2,867 passengers were transported. This included approximately 108,600 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On June 5, U.S. Air Force, French and RAF tanker crews flew 53 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.7 million pounds of fuel to 228 receiving aircraft.