Sept. 22 airpower summary: Loadmasters supply forces

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

An Air Force B-1B Lancer in Asadabad struck multiple positions with guided bomb unit 31s and GBU-38s. The joint terminal attack controller confirmed the munitions hit their targets and the desired results were achieved.

The aircrew was redirected by the JTAC to strike a cave with GBU-31s being used by the enemy. The JTAC confirmed the cave was destroyed.

Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II's fired rockets and cannon rounds on enemy mortar and small-arms teams in Asadabad. The JTAC reported the strikes were successful.

The pilots then conducted shows of force with flares to ensure the enemy contact had ceased and to deter further attacks. The JTAC confirmed the shows of force were successful.

Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles provided overwatch for a convoy traveling through a village in Asadabad.

Also in Asadabad, an A-10 conducted a show of force to deter enemy activity. The JTAC confirmed the show of force was successful.

In total, 38 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

In Iraq, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons provided overwatch for a coalition clearing team in Khan Bani Sad.

In Salman Pak, F-16s provided overwatch for a raid on an enemy house.

In Baghdad, an F-16 conducted a show of force over a hospital that had received small-arms fire. The JTAC reported the show of force was successful.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 51 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, three Air Force and RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft and C-17 Globemaster III's provided intratheater heavy airlift support, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa. Approximately 170 airlift sorties were flown, 390 tons of cargo were delivered and approximately 5,000 passengers were transported. Airlift included approximately 22,400 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Sept. 21, Air Force, French and RAF tankers flew 47 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.3 million pounds of fuel to 210 receiving aircraft.