April 2 airpower summary: C-130s carry load for coalition

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

In Afghanistan, in order to deter enemy activities Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs performed shows of force in Bermel, Khowst, Orgune, Qala-e-Naw and Uruzgan. The on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed the missions were successful.

In order to deter enemy activities Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles performed shows of force in Bari Kowt and Uruzgan. A JTAC reported the missions were successful. 

An Air Force B-1B Lancer performed a show of force in order to deter enemy activities in Ghazni. The success of the mission was declared by a JTAC.

In order to deter enemy activities a French Mirage-2000 performed a show of force in Bermel. The success of the mission was confirmed by a JTAC.

In total, 39 close-air-support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

In Iraq, a Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet dropped a guided bomb unit-38 in order to destroy an enemy structure housing a sniper engaging Iraqi security forces in Basra. The success of the mission was reported by a JTAC.

In order to deter enemy activities Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons performed shows of force in Baqubah and Basra. A JTAC declared that the missions were successful.

An Air Force MQ-1B Predator dropped a hellfire missile in order to destroy an enemy vehicle with a mounted heavy machine gun and enemy combatants engaging friendly forces in Basra. The success of the mission was reported by a JTAC.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 67 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-six Air Force and Navy 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 159 airlift sorties were flown, 698 tons of cargo delivered and 3,445 passengers were transported.

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

On April 1, Air Force and RAF tanker crews flew 48 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.9 million pounds of fuel to 258 receiving aircraft.