May 23 airpower summary: C-17 provides support

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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 23, 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 Musa Qala and Sharona. Joint terminal attack controllers confirmed that the missions were successful.

In Garmser, an F-15E dropped guided bomb unit-38s in order to destroy enemy combatants. The JTAC reported that the mission was successful.

In Kabul, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped a GBU-38 in order to destroy enemy combatants engaging Friendly Forces. The JTAC declared that the mission was successful.

In Orgune, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II performed a show of force in order to deter enemy activities. The JTAC confirmed that the mission was successful.

In total, 47 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 surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan.

In Iraq, coalition aircraft flew 48 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 Royal Australian Air Force 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-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 138 airlift sorties were flown, 622 tons of cargo delivered, and 3,263 passengers were transported. This included approximately 46,920 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On May 22, Air Force, French, and RAF tankers flew 45 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.7 million pounds of fuel to 205 receiving aircraft.