May 20 airpower summary: C-17s carry mission to front

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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 20, 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 Ghanzi, Lwara and Waza Kwah.  An on-scene joint terminal attack controllers confirmed that the missions were successful.

In Asadabad, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped guided bomb unit-31s and 38s in order to destroy enemy combatants engaging friendly forces. A JTAC reported that the missions were successful.

In order to deter enemy activities, F-15Es performed shows of force in Farah and Kander. JTACs declared that the missions were successful.

In Lwara, A-10s and F-15Es dropped GBU-12s, 31s, and a 500-pound bomb in order to destroy enemy combatants. A JTAC confirmed that the missions were successful.

In total, 49 close-air-support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Fifteen 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, an F-16 Fighting Falcon performed a show of force in order to deter enemy activities in Diyala. A JTAC reported that the mission was successful.

A Navy F/A-18 Hornet performed a show of force in order to deter enemy activities in Zubaydiyah. A JTAC declared that the missions were successful.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 53 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-six Air Force and Navy intelligence, 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-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 140 airlift sorties were flown, 417 tons of cargo delivered and 3,486 passengers were transported. This included approximately 18,750 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On May 19, Air Force, French and RAF tanker crews flew 57 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.3 million pounds of fuel to 296 receiving aircraft.