May 2 airpower summary: A-10 Thunderbolt IIs show force

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SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations May 2, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, a French Mirage-2000 dropped a guided bomb unit-12 in order to destroy an enemy compound in Kajaki Dam. The joint terminal attack controller confirmed the success of the mission.

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

In order to deter enemy activities, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles performed shows of force in Bari Kowt and Lwara. The JTAC declared the success of the missions.

A British GR-7 Harrier performed a show of force in order to deter enemy activities in Sangin. The JTAC confirmed the success of the mission.

In total, 47 close-air-support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Nine Air Force and Royal Air Force surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan.

In Iraq, a Navy F/A-18C dropped a GBU-38 in order to destroy an enemy structure housing a sniper engaging friendly forces in Baghdad. The JTAC reported the success of the mission.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 70 clos- air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions integrated and synchronized coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided over watch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Twenty-three Air Force and Navy intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, eight Air Force, Navy and Royal Air Force aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intra-theater heavy airlift, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 149 airlift sorties were flown, 386 tons of cargo delivered and 4,099 passengers were transported. This included approximately 27,520 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On May 1, Air Force and RAF aerial refueling crews flew 44 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.6 million pounds of fuel to 223 receiving aircraft.