Oct. 16 airpower summary: C-17s provide heavy airlift support

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

In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles conducted an armed overwatch for friendly transports and monitored enemy activity near Mirvish. During the mission, an enemy fighting position was struck with guided bomb unit-31s. The on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed the munitions hit the target and declared the target was destroyed. The mission was successful.

An Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II launched flares in a show of force to deter enemy action against friendly forces conducting a mission in Sangin. The JTAC declared the mission was successful.

A Royal Air Force Harrier GR-9 dispensed flares in a show of force to deter enemy action against friendly convoys traveling through Sangin. The JTAC declared the mission was successful.

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

Eight Air Force 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 49 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.

Nineteen Air Force and Navy surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, one Air Force and two RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

Air Force C-130 Hercules and C-17 Globemaster III's provided intratheater heavy airlift support, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa. Approximately 158 airlift sorties were flown; 412 tons of cargos were delivered, and 3,988 passengers were transported. This included approximately 43,320 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Oct. 15, Air Force and French aerial refueling crews flew 39 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.3 million pounds of fuel to 193 receiving aircraft.