April 16 airpower summary: C-17s provide intra-theater airlift Published April 17, 2008 SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations April 16, 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 Ghanzi, Lwara and Zormat. An on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed the success of the missions. Royal Air Force GR-7 Harriers performed shows of force in order to deter enemy activities in Deh Chopan and Farah. The success of the missions was declared by a JTAC. In Asadabad, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped guided bomb unit-31s and 38s in order to destroy enemy combatants engaging friendly forces. The success of the mission was reported by a JTAC. In Now Zad, F-15s dropped GBU-38s in order to destroy an enemy structure housing enemy combatants and a sniper engaging friendly forces. The success of the mission was confirmed by a JTAC. In total, 46 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 RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance. In Iraq, an Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon performed shows of force in order to deter enemy activities in Basra. A JTAC declared that the mission was successful. In total, coalition aircraft flew 44 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-two Air Force and Navy intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, two 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 140 airlift sorties were flown, 577 tons of cargo delivered and 4,687 passengers were transported. This included approximately 53,200 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan. Coalition C-130 crews from Canada, Iraq and Japan flew as part of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq. On April 15, Air Force and RAF tanker crews flew 44 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.7 million pounds of fuel to 244 receiving aircraft.