May 6 airpower summary: B-1B destroys enemy compound

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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 6, 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 Bari Kowt, Jalalabad and Orgune. An on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed that the missions were successful.

In Bari Kowt, A-10s dropped 500-pound bombs in order to destroy enemy combatants in a tree line. A JTAC declared that the missions were successful. 

An Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped a guided bomb unit-31 in order to destroy an enemy rocket team in Orgune. A JTAC reported that the mission was successful.

In Garmser, a B-1B Lancer dropped a GBU-31 in order to destroy an enemy compound and bunker. A 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.

Eleven Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan.

In Iraq, an Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon performed a show of force in order to deter enemy activities in Baghdad. A JTAC reported that the mission was successful.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 68 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 137 airlift sorties were flown, 606 tons of cargo delivered and 3,388 passengers were transported. This included approximately 21,950 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On May 5, Air Force, French and Royal Air Force tanker crews flew 55 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3 million pounds of fuel to 257 receiving aircraft.