April 18 airpower summary: C-17s sustain operations Published April 19, 2008 SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations April 18, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles performed shows of force in order to deter enemy activities in Bermel, Khowst, and Lwara. The on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed the success of the missions. An Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II performed a show of force in order to deter enemy activities in Zormat. A JTAC declared the mission was successful. In Now Zad, a French Mirage-2000 performed a show of force in order to deter enemy activities. A JTAC reported the mission was successful. In total, 45 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, Navy F/A-18F Super Hornets performed shows of force in order to deter enemy activities in Baghdad. A JTAC declared the missions were successful. 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. Twenty-seven Air Force and Navy intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, four 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 341 tons of cargo delivered and 2,169 passengers were transported. This included approximately 76,550 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan. Coalition C-130 crews from Australia and Canada flew as part of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq. On April 17, Air Force and RAF tanker crews flew 41 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.4 million pounds of fuel to 160 receiving aircraft.