May 21 airpower summary: F-15Es provide show of force

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations May 21, 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, Kondue and Lwara. An on-scene joint terminal attack controllers confirmed that the missions were successful. 

Air Force Strike Eagles dropped guided bomb unit-31s and 38s in order to destroy enemy combatants in Bermel and Nangalam. JTACs reported that the missions were successful.

In Sangin, French 2000 Mirages performed shows of force in order to deter enemy activities. A JTAC declared that the missions were successful.

An Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped GBU-38s in order to destroy enemy combatants engaging friendly forces in Gardez. A JTAC confirmed that the mission was successful.

In total, 48 close-air-support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Fourteen 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 65 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-four Air Force and Navy intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, six Air Force and Navy 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 136 airlift sorties were flown, 513 tons of cargo delivered and 2,997 passengers were transported. This included approximately 22,200 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On May 20, Air Force, French and RAF tanker crews flew 53 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.9 million pounds of fuel to 222 receiving aircraft.