Sept. 13 airpower summary: B-1Bs keep enemy in check Published Sept. 14, 2007 SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) -- Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Sept. 13, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. An Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II performed a show of force in Farah to deter improvised explosive device emplacement and further enemy attacks. The on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed the show of force was successful. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles searched for mortar positions and suspicious activity to support ground forces in Orugun-E and Shkin. In Gamsir, an Air Force B-1B Lancer conducted a show of presence with flares to deter enemy activity. The JTAC confirmed the desired result was achieved. In total, 44 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols. Ten 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, a B-1B destroyed an enemy bridge in Baqubah using guided bomb unit-31s. The JTAC confirmed the bombing achieved the desired results. Also in Baqubah, an Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon destroyed an IED-laden bridge with a GBU-38. The JTAC confirmed the bridge was destroyed. In Baqhdad, an F-16 conducted a show of force with flares to deter IED emplacers, and a Navy F/A-18 Hornet conducted a show of force over a bridge to disrupt suspicious activity. The JTAC confirmed the desired results were achieved. In Al Kut, F/A-18s conducted shows of force to deter enemy activity around a convoy traveling through the town of Numaniyah. The JTAC confirmed the shows of force were successful. In total, coalition aircraft flew 62 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. Fourteen Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, six 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, 500 tons of cargo were delivered and approximately 4,000 passengers were transported. Coalition C-130 crews from Australia, Iraq, Japan and Korea flew in support of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq. On Sept. 12, Air Force, French and RAF tankers flew 58 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.2 million pounds of fuel to 266 receiving aircraft.