May 18 airpower summary: Reaper destroys target

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

In Afghanistan, an Air Force MQ-9A Reaper fired a hellfire missile to destroy enemy combatants engaging friendly forces with rocket-propelled grenades in Kandahar. The on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed the mission was successful.

In order to deter enemy activities, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs performed shows of force in Lwara and Nangalam. A JTAC reported the missions were successful.

In order to deter enemy activities, Air Force B-1B Lancers performed shows of force in Ghazni and Wasa Kwah. A JTAC declared the missions were successful.

In Deh Chopan, a B-1B dropped guided bomb unit-38s to destroy enemy combatants engaging friendly forces. A JTAC confirmed the mission was successful.

A French Mirage-2000 performed a show of force to deter enemy activities in Shinkay. A JTAC reported the mission was successful.

In Zormat, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle performed a show of force to deter enemy activities. A JTAC declared that the mission was successful.

In total, 50 close-air-support missions were flown as part of the 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 performed shows of force to deter enemy activities in Tall Afar. A JTAC confirmed the missions were successful.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 66 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-five Air Force and Navy intellignec, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, six 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 138 airlift sorties were flown, 352 tons of cargo delivered and 4,226 passengers were transported. This included approximately 28,800 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On May 17, Air Force, French and RAF tanker crews flew 58 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.9 million pounds of fuel to 229 receiving aircraft.