May 19 airpower summary: F-16s ready to go

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations May 19, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, A-10 Thunderbolt IIs performed shows of force in order to deter enemy activities in Ghazni, Jalalabad, Kazhah, and Zormat. On-scene joint terminal attack controllers confirmed that the missions were successful.

In order to deter enemy activities, French Mirage-2000s performed shows of force in Gereshk and Ghanzi.  JTACs reported that the missions were successful.

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

In total, 54 close-air-support missions were flown as part of support to ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Thirteen 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, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons dropped 500-pound bombs in order to destroy enemy combatants in Al Amarah. The JTAC confirmed that the missions were successful.

A British GR-4 Tornado performed a show of force in order to deter enemy activities in Al Qurnah. The JTAC reported that the mission was successful.

In Iskandariyah, F-16s performed shows of force in order to deter enemy activities. The JTAC reported that the missions were successful.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 67 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 ISR aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, eight Air Force, Navy, and RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

U.S. 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. 

Some 139 airlift sorties were flown, 558 tons of cargo were delivered and 2,407 passengers were transported. This included approximately 40,200 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On May 18, Air Force and RAF aerial refueling crews flew sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.4 million pounds of fuel to 247 receiving aircraft.