Oct. 28 airpower summary: C-130s replenish ground forces

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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 Oct. 28, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, a Royal Air Force GR-7 Harrier used rockets to attack an enemy held position in Tarin Kowt. The air strike suppressed enemy fire from a ridgeline. The strike was confirmed as successful.

A French Mirage 2000 conducted a strike using guided bomb unit-12s against an enemy compound located in Tarin Kowt. The mission was confirmed as a success.

An Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle struck enemy mortar positions which were engaging coalition force with GBU-38s in Tarin Kowt. The Joint Terminal Attack Controller confirmed the mission was a success.

During the same mission in Tarin Kowt, an F-15E performed a show of force to deter enemy actions. The JTAC reported the demonstration as a success.

Cannon rounds were fired against enemy combatants by F-15Es in Ghazni. The JTAC declared the mission as successful.

During the same mission, a show of force was performed to deter enemy activity in Ghazni. The JTAC assessed the mission as successful.

A RAFGR-9 Harrier dropped an Enhanced Paveway II munition and fired rockets against enemy combatants in Oruzgan. The enemy combatants were attacking coalition forces. Additionally, shows of force were conducted to disperse enemy. The JTAC confirmed the mission as successful.

Enemy combatants were engaged by F-15Es with cannon fire in Kajaki Dam. The JTAC declared the mission as a success.

A show of force to deter enemy activity was conducted by an F-15E in Orgune. The mission was confirmed as a success.

An F-15E performed a show of force to demonstrate air superiority in Bagram. The mission was assessed as successful.

Several flares were expended during a show of force conducted by F-15Es in Baghlan. The JTAC declared the mission as a success.

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

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

In Iraq, several flares were expended during a show of force conducted by an A-10 Thunderbolt II in Kirkuk. The A-10 provided an overwatch for a coalition force conducting an operation in the area and to deter enemy activity. The mission was assessed as successful.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 66 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, Navy, and RAF intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, four Navy and 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 125 airlift sorties were flown; 391 tons of cargos were delivered, and 3,112 passengers were transported. This included approximately 24,500 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Oct. 27, Air Force, French and RAF tankers flew 40 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.6 million pounds of fuel to 192 receiving aircraft.