May 30 airpower summary: Reaper patrols skies

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations May 30, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs performed shows of force in order to deter enemy activities in Gardez and Ghanzi. Joint terminal attack controllers confirmed that the missions were successful.

In Kandahar, an Air Force MQ-9A Reaper fired hellfire missiles in order to destroy enemy combatants engaging friendly forces with rocket propelled grenades. The JTAC reported that the mission was successful.

In Gereshk, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle performed a show of force in order to deter enemy activities. The JTAC declared that the mission was successful

A Royal Air Force GR-7 Harrier performed a show of force in order to deter enemy activities in Sangin. The JTAC confirmed that 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.

Fourteen Air Force and RAF surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, two RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, coalition aircraft flew 65 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-five Air Force, Navy, and RAF surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, eight Air Force, Navy, and RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

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, 588 tons of cargo were delivered and 3,749 passengers were transported. This included approximately 72,000 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On May 29, Air Force, French and RAF tankers flew 54 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3 million pounds of fuel to 268 receiving aircraft.