April 4 airpower summary: C-17s transport troops and cargo

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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 4, 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 Bermel and Lwara. An on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed that the missions were successful.

Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles performed shows of force in order to deter enemy activities in Lwara and Orgune. A JTAC reported that the missions were successful.

In Garmser, a Royal Air Force GR-7 Harrier dropped an Enhanced Paveway munition in order to destroy enemy combatants in a compound engaging friendly forces. A JTAC declared that the missions were successful.

In total, 35 close-air-support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Twelve Air Force and RAF intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, two RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

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 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 142 airlift sorties were flown, 394 tons of cargo delivered and 3,253 passengers were transported. This included approximately 5,750 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On May 3, Air Force, French and RAF tanker crews flew 53 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.2 million pounds of fuel to 268 receiving aircraft.