Sept. 16 airpower summary: Tankers fuel the fleet

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

Air Force F-10 Thunderbolt IIs targeted enemies near Asadabad with cannon rounds. An on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed the strikes were successful.

A French Mirage-2000 conducted a show of force with flares near Bagram to halt enemy fire on coalition forces. The JTAC confirmed the show force was successful.

An Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles in Bagram targeted enemy buildings with guided bomb unit-38s and GBU-12s. One of the buildings housed enemy leaders. The JTAC confirmed the bombs hit the targets and the desired affect was achieved.

An Air Force B-1B Lancer targeted enemy mortar and rocket positions in Shkin with GBU-38s and GBU-31. The aircrew continued the engagement, targeting enemies with GBU-38s as they moved to new positions. The JTAC reported the strike as successful.

In Gereshk, F-15Es targeted enemies in a tree line with cannon rounds to stop small-arms fire. The JTAC confirmed the rounds hit their target.

An F-15E also over Gereshk provided a show of force with flares to deter further enemy activity. The JTAC confirmed the show of force was successful.

Near Gardez, Mirage-2000s performed shows of force with flares while providing overwatch for coalition forces. The JTAC reported the show of force as successful.

An F-15E in Tarin Kowt conducted a show of force to deter enemy activity. The show of force was deemed successful by the JTAC.

In total, 44 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

In Iraq, A-10s performed overwatch for ground forces that had received small-arms fire from an enemy vehicle.

An F-16 Fighting Falcon in Baqubah searched for improvised explosive devices and conducted a show of force. The JTAC confirmed the show of force was successful.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 64 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.

Seventeen Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, seven Navy 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 160 airlift sorties were flown, 430 tons of cargo were delivered and approximately 4,030 passengers were transported. Airlift included approximately 35,250 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Sept. 15, U.S., French and RAF aerial refueling crews flew 46 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.4 million pounds of fuel to 210 receiving aircraft.