Oct. 18 airpower summary: KC-10s sustain airborne 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 Oct. 18, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer released flares in a show of force in Ghazni. The on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed the mission was successful.

During that same mission in Ghazni, the B-1B struck a cave with guided bomb unit-31s to limit potential use by enemy combatants. The air strike resulted in the destruction of the target. The mission was deemed successful by the JTAC.

A B-1B released flares in a show of force to support friendly ground forces conducting a patrol in Ghazni. The JTAC confirmed the mission achieved the desired result.

A French Mirage 2000 successfully destroyed an enemy position in Nangalam with a GBU-12. The JTAC confirmed the mission was successful.

During that same mission, the Mirage 2000 conducted a show of force in Bari Kowt. The JTAC confirmed the mission was successful.

In Kamdish, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle dispensed flares in a show of force to deter enemy actions against friendly forces. The JTAC declared the mission achieved its desired effects.

A Royal Air Force Harrier GR-7 successfully dropped an enhanced Paveway II munition on a position used by enemy combatants in Garmsir. The JTAC confirmed the target was destroyed and the mission was successful.

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

Eleven Air Force and RAF surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan.

In Iraq, a B-1B destroyed unimproved roads used by enemy combatants with GBU-31s and GBU-38s near Samarra. This will deter enemy activities and movements in the area. The JTAC confirmed the mission was successful.

An enemy vehicle was targeted by F-16s with a GBU-38, GBU-12s and a AGM-65 Maverick missile in Bayji. The vehicle was occupied by enemy combatants firing at friendly forces. The JTAC confirmed the mission was successful.

While conducting an armed overwatch, an F-16 performed a show of force to deter enemy activities in Baghdad. The JTAC declared the mission a success.

A RAF Tornado GR-4 conducted a show of force to deter enemy activities in Baghdad. The mission was deemed successful by the JTAC.

In total, 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-two 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 164 airlift sorties were flown; 553 tons of cargo were delivered, and 4,280 passengers were transported. This included approximately 9,000 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Oct. 17, Air Force and RAF aerial refueling crews flew 41 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.6 million pounds of fuel to 199 receiving aircraft.