Nov. 8 airpower summary: C-130s key to resupply

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Nov. 8, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force MQ-1Predator engaged enemy combatants in Delarem with a Hellfire missile. The enemy combatants were in the process of setting up mortar equipments. The strike was assessed as successful.

An Air Force B1-B Lancer dropped a guided bomb unit-38 against an enemy position in Asadabad. The enemy combatants at the location were conducting hostile actions against coalition forces. The on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed good hits on the target and declared the mission a success.

A Royal Air Force GR-9 Harrier targeted a cave used by enemy combatants in Gereshk with an enhanced Paveway II munition. The target was confirmed by the JTAC as destroyed.

Enemy positions in Now Zad were hit with cannon rounds and GBU-12s during a strike conducted by Navy F/A-18 Hornets. The mission was assessed as successful by the JTAC.

During the same mission, F/A-18s aided in the engagement by dropping GBU-12s and firing cannon rounds against enemy combatants who were engaging coalition convoys moving through Now Zad. The JTAC declared the strike as successful.

Enemy combatants were targeted with GBU-38s and cannon rounds by F/A-18s during an engagement in Orgune. The impact of the munitions effectively suppressed the enemy. The strike was confirmed as successful by the JTAC.

Shows of force with flares were conducted by F/A-18s to deter enemy activities in Musah Qal'eh. The JTAC deemed the mission as successful.

To deter enemy activities, an F/A-18 conducted a show of force in Sangin. The JTAC assessed the mission as successful.

In total, 36 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

In Iraq, coalition aircraft flew a total of 51 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-two Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions in support 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 support, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 150 airlift sorties were flown, 541 tons of cargo were delivered and 2,759 passengers were transported. Airlift included approximately 32,650 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Nov. 7, Air Force, French and RAF aerial refueling crews flew 45 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.8 million pounds of fuel to 233 receiving aircraft.