April 27 airpower summary: A-10s provide close-air support

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

In Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II fired cannon rounds onto enemy combatants in Jalalabad. Furthermore, the A-10 conducted a show of force in order to deter enemy activities in the same area. The missions were declared successful by an on-scene joint terminal attack controller.

Air Force B-1B Lancers dropped guided bomb unit-31s onto enemy fighting positions in both Nangalam and Asadabad. A JTAC confirmed the mission a success.

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

A Royal Air Force GR-7 Harrier conducted a show of force over enemy positions in the vicinity of Bermel. A JTAC declared the mission a success. 

An F-15E and an A-10 performed shows of force over enemy positions in Sangin. The missions were confirmed as successful by a JTAC. 

F-15Es conducted shows of force in order to deter enemy activities in Gereshk and Now Zadhe. A JTAC reported the missions as successful.

A French 2000 Mirage performed a show of force over enemy positions in the vicinity of Qalat. The mission was declared a success by a JTAC. 

A-10s conducted shows of force in order to deter enemy activities in Lwara and Asadabad. A JTAC confirmed the missions as successful.

In total, 46 close-air-support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

In Iraq, a Navy F/A-18 Hornet performed a show of force over enemy positions in the vicinity of Baghdad. The mission was reported as a success by a JTAC.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 43 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.

Nineteen Air Force, Navy and Royal Australian Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, seven 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 111 airlift sorties were flown, 421 tons of cargo delivered and 2,988 passengers were transported. This included approximately 130,100 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 April 26, Air Force, French and RAF tanker crews flew 48 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.8 million pounds of fuel to 245 receiving aircraft.