Sept. 29 airpower summary: airlift is backbone of OEF, OIF

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Sept. 29, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle strafed enemy firing positions on a ridgeline in Tarin Kowt. The Joint Terminal Attack Controller reported enemy fire was disrupted. One of the fighter pilots re-engaged the enemy position with a Guided Bomb Unit-12 and a GBU-38. The JTAC reported enemy fire ceased.

Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs struck an enemy cave with GBU-12s near Gardez. The JTAC reported the cave was partially collapsed.

An Air Force B-1B Lancer targeted the partially collapsed cave and another enemy cave in the vicinity with GBU-31s. The JTAC reported the cave entrances were destroyed. The aircrew then engaged an enemy firing position in Asadabad with GBU-31s and GBU-38s. The JTAC confirmed the target was destroyed.

The aircrew also performed a show of force with flares over a coalition forward operating base near Asadabad. The JTAC reported good effects.

In Sangin, A-10s strafed an enemy compound. The JTAC reported the strike was successful.

An F-15E targeted an enemy building in Tarin Kowt with GBU-38s to halt enemy fire. The JTAC reported the building was destroyed.

In Orgun-E, F-15Es conducted shows of force to deter enemy activity around a coalition convoy. The JTAC reported the shows of force were successful.

A Royal Air Force Harrier GR-9A conducted a show of force in Tarin Kowt to aid recovery of a coalition convoy.

In Kajaki Dam, F-15Es used GBU-38s against mortar positions to halt enemy activity. The JTAC reported the mortar positions were destroyed.

In Gardez, A-10s fired at enemies in contact with coalition forces. The JTAC reported the strafe was successful.

In Kandahar, A-10s conducted shows of force to deter enemy activity.

Other A-10s conducted shows of force in Gereshk to deter enemy forces from further attacks. The shows of force were reported as successful by the JTAC.

In total, 35 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the International Security Assistance Force and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Eleven 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, a B-1B targeted an enemy area in Baghdad with GBU-31s. The JTAC reported the target was destroyed.

An A-10 targeted an enemy building in Baqubah with a GBU-38 to halt sniper fire. The JTAC reported the strike was successful and the building was destroyed.

An Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon conducted a show of force in Al Muqdadiyah to deter sniper fire.

An RAF Tornado GR-4 conducted a show of force with flares in Baghdad to deter enemy activity around a medical evacuation. The JTAC reported the show of force as successful.

A Navy F/A-18 Hornet conducted a show of force with flares over coalition forces performing a controlled improvised explosive device detonation in Baqubah. The JTAC reported the show of force was successful.

In Al Kut, a GR-4 conducted a show of force to deter insurgent activity. The show of force was reported as successful by the JTAC.

An F-16 used a GBU-12, a GBU-38 and cannon fire to stop IED implacers in Balad. The JTAC reported the strike was successful.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 72 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 Royal Australian Air Force ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, six Navy and RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

Air Force C-130 Hercules 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, 440 tons of cargo was delivered and approximately 3,800 passengers were transported. Airlift included approximately 12,500 pounds of supplies air-dropped in Afghanistan in order to re-supply ground forces.

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

On Sept. 28, Air Force, French and RAF tankers flew 50 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3 million pounds of fuel to 260 receiving aircraft.