May 28 airpower summary: C-17s deliver goods

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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 May 28, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, a Royal Air Force GR-9 Harrier conducted shows of force over enemy locations in Shinkay. An on-scene joint terminal attack controller declared the missions a success.

French 2000 Mirages performed shows of force in order to deter enemy activities against coalition forces in Farah. Furthermore, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-31s and GBU-38s onto enemy fighting positions near the same area. The missions were reported as successful by a JTAC.

In Bagram, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles fired cannon-rounds and dropped GBU-38s onto enemy combatants. A JTAC confirmed the missions as a success.

Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and F-15Es conducted shows of force in order to deter enemy activities in Orgune, Gardez, Nangalam and Bari Kowt. The missions were declared successful by a JTAC.

In total, 47 close-air-support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

In Iraq, an Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon performed a show of force in order to deter enemy activities against coalition forces in Baqubah. A JTAC reported the mission as a success.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 70 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions integrated and synchronized coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided overwatch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Twenty-three Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, eight Air Force, Navy 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 148 airlift sorties were flown, 407 tons of cargo delivered and 2,628 passengers were transported. This included approximately 74,080 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On May 27,  Air Force, French, RAF and Singaporean aerial refueling crews flew 46 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.6 million pounds of fuel to 218 receiving aircraft.