Oct. 20 airpower summary: C-17s support warfighters

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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 Oct. 20, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle conducted a show force dispensing flares to deter enemy activity in Orgune. The joint terminal attack controller confirmed the mission was successful.

An Air Force B-1B Lancer conducted a strike with guided bomb unit-38 against an enemy artillery position in Nowzad. The JTAC reported that the GBU-38's impact resulted in the destruction of the enemy position and declared the mission successful.

An armed overwatch was conducted by an F-15E in Gardez to deter enemy activity. The mission was deemed successful by the JTAC.

In total, 31 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

In Iraq, a vehicle was struck with a hellfire missile by an MQ-1 Predator after it was confirmed to be carrying enemy combatants through Balad. The JTAC declared the strike was successful.

An Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon conducted a show of force in Baghdad to demonstrate a coalition force presence in the area. The JTAC deemed the mission was successful.

A show of force with flares expended was performed by an F-16 to quell actions against friendly transports moving through Karbala. The mission was declared successful by the JTAC.

Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs demonstrated a show of force dispensing flares to deter hostile activity in the vicinity of Karbala. The JTAC confirmed the mission was successful.

A show of force was conducted by F-16s in Samarra to maintain a coalition presence and deter suspicious activities. The JTAC declared the demonstration was successful.

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-one Air Force and Navy surveillance and reconnaissance 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 144 airlift sorties were flown; 401 tons of cargos were delivered, and 4,002 passengers were transported. This included approximately 24,000 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Oct. 19, Air Force and French tankers flew 39 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.5 million pounds of fuel to 189 receiving aircraft.