Nov. 10 airpower summary: C-130s sustain operations

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

In Afghanistan, Navy F/A-18 Hornets struck a cave with guided bomb unit-12s in Bagram. The cave was being used by enemy combatants as a fighting position. The mission was reported as a success by the on-scene joint terminal attack controller.

During the same mission, an Air Force MQ-1 Predator launched a Hellfire missile against enemy combatants. The Predator detected the enemy relocating after the previous strike. The mission was deemed successful by the JTAC.

A Royal Air Force Harrier GR-7 engaged enemy combatants using a 540 pound bomb. The bomb detonated on the enemies who were involved in hostile action against coalition forces in Bagram. The JTAC confirmed the mission as successful.

An Air Force B1-B Lancer dropped a GBU-38 on an enemy position in Sangin. An additional strike was conducted against an enemy-held compound using a GBU-31. The JTAC reported direct hits on the target and declared the mission as successful.

A Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet released flares in a show of force to deter enemy activities against coalition forces in Sangin. The mission was assessed as successful by the JTAC.

A show of force was performed by an F/A-18 to deter enemy activities in Sangin. The JTAC declared the mission as successful.

Several GBU-38s from a B1-B struck enemy positions in Asadabad. The JTAC confirmed successful strikes which destroyed the enemy firing positions.

Shows of force were conducted by F/A-18s to deter enemy action against a coalition convoy in Oruzgan.

During the same mission, the F/A-18 targeted enemy combatants who fired upon a coalition convoy from a nearby compound. The JTAC declared the enemy fire was suppressed and the mission was successful.

A damaged coalition vehicle was struck with GBU-12s from F/A-18s to prevent it from falling to enemy use. An improvised explosive device had damaged the vehicle, which rendered it useless. The JTAC confirmed the destruction successful.

In total, 34 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

In Iraq, coalition aircraft flew 50 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions supported coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided over watch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Twenty-five Air Force and Navy surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, three Air Force and RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

Air Force C-130 Hercules and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intratheater heavy airlift support, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 144 airlift sorties were flown; 477 tons of cargos were delivered, and 3,460 passengers were transported. This included approximately 28,880 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Nov. 09, Air Force and RAF aerial refueling crews flew 39 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.5 million pounds of fuel to 201 receiving aircraft.