April 29 airpower summary: C-130s help sustain operations

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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 April 29, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs conducted shows of force in Orgune, Bari Kowt and Jalalabad in order to deter enemy activities in the areas. An on-scene joint terminal attack controller declared the missions a success.

Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles performed shows of force in Bagram and Jalalabad in order to deter enemy activities against coalition forces. The missions were reported as successful by a JTAC.

In the vicinity of Nangalam, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped a guided bomb unit-31 and GBU-38s onto enemy firing positions successfully eliminating the targets. 

An A-10 conducted a show of force over enemy positions in Bari Kowt . A JTAC confirmed the mission as successful.

In total, 52 close-air-support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

In Iraq, a Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet dropped a GBU-38 onto enemy combatants in the vicinity of Baghdad. Furthermore, the F/A-18 conducted a show of force over enemy positions in the area. The missions were declared successful by a JTAC.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 24 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.

Eighteen Air Force, Navy and Royal Australian Air Force 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 121 airlift sorties were flown, 537 tons of cargo delivered and 2,762 passengers were transported. This included approximately 151,500 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On April 28, Air Force, French and RAF tanker crews flew 48 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.7 million pounds of fuel to 222 receiving aircraft.