Feb. 10 airpower summary: A-10s conduct shows of force

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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 Feb. 10, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs conducted shows of force over an enemy compound near Sangin and over a coalition-forces convoy in the vicinity of Tarin Kowt. The shows of force were conducted in order to deter enemy activities in the areas. The missions were declared successful by the on-scene joint terminal attack controller.

In Bari Kowt, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles conducted shows of force in order to deter enemy activities against coalition forces. The JTAC reported the missions as successful.

A Royal Air Force GR-7 Harrier performed a show of force in the vicinity of Gereshk in order to generate further chatter from enemy combatants so that coalition forces could establish the enemy combatant's intentions. The mission was confirmed successful by the JTAC.

In total, 35 close-air-support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

In Iraq, F-16 Fighting Falcons conducted shows of force in order to deter enemy activities in the area and to disperse a crowd that began to gather near an IED site. The JTAC declared the missions successful.

A Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet performed a show of force near Baqubah in order to deter enemy activities in the area. The mission was reported as successful by the JTAC.

In Basrah, Navy F/A-18 Super Hornets dropped a guided bomb unit-12 and guided bomb unit-38s onto locations containing enemy weaponry. The JTAC confirmed the missions as successful.

In Iskandariyah, a Navy F/A-18 Hornet conducted a show of force to deter enemy activities in the area. The mission was declared successful by the JTAC.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 65 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-four Air Force, Navy and Royal Australian Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, six 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 136 airlift sorties were flown, 582 tons of cargo were delivered and 3,623 passengers were transported.

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

On Feb. 9, Air Force and RAF tanker crews flew 41 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.6 million pounds of fuel to 230 receiving aircraft.