Sept. 26 airpower summary: C-17 provides support

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Sept. 27, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

An Air Force B-1B Lancer targeted enemies firing on coalition forces in Asadabad with guided bomb unit-31s and guided bomb unit-38s to suppress enemy fire. The on-scene joint terminal attack controller reported the firing positions were suppressed.

An Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle struck enemies on a ridgeline in Asadabad with a GBU-12. The JTAC confirmed the weapon hit its target and the desired result was achieved.

Other F-15Es in Asadabad targeted enemies in a cave with GBU-31s. The JTAC confirmed the target was destroyed

Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs strafed enemies in Asadabad with cannon fire. The JTAC confirmed the rounds hit the target and the desired result was achieved.

Also in Asadabad, A-10s conducted shows of force to deter enemy attacks. The show of force was reported as successful by the JTAC.

Royal Air Force GR-9A and GR-7A Harriers struck an enemy compound in Sangin with general-purpose 540-pound bombs, rockets and an enhanced Paveway II munitions. The JTAC confirmed the weapons destroyed the target.

An A-10 over Sangin targeted an enemy compound with a GBU-12. The JTAC confirmed the target was destroyed. The pilot continued the engagement using cannon fire and a general-purpose 500-pound bomb against enemies in a tree line and trench. The JTAC reported the weapons hit their target and the desired result was achieved.

In total, 41 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Ten 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, an F-16 Fighting Falcon struck an enemy weapons cache in Baghdad with a GBU-38. The JTAC reported the weapons cache destroyed.

A B-1B targeted a bridge in Baghdad with GBU-31s. The JTAC reported good hits.

An A-10 conducted a show of force with flares for suspicious activity. The JTAC reported the show of force was successful.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 67 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions supported coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided overwatch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Nineteen Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, six Air Force 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 130 airlift sorties were flown, 520 tons of cargo were delivered, and nearly 3,000 passengers were transported. Airlift included approximately 65,300 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Sept. 24,  Air Force and RAF tankers flew 45 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.5 million pounds of fuel to 200 receiving aircraft.