Sept. 1 airpower summary: Tankers keep missions flying

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

In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs destroyed insurgent locations with guided bomb unit-12s and a general-purpose 500-pound bomb in Kandahar.

Also in Kandahar, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle attacked insurgents in a building with a GBU-38. The on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed the bomb hit the target. F-15Es also watched caves for suspicious activity.

A Royal Air Force GR-7 Harrier attacked an enemy mortar position using Enhanced Paveway II munitions in Kandahar. The mortar fire ceased after the munitions hit their target. A GR-9 performed a show of force over the location as well. The Harriers also watched over friendly forces exiting an area in Sangin.

Also in Sangin, other F-15Es attacked enemy firing positions with GBU-38s and cannon fire. The JTAC confirmed the hits were good.

An A-10 dropped a GBU-12 on an enemy mortar position in Asadabad. The JTAC confirmed a good hit. Another A-10 conducted a show of force with flares to keep enemies from attacking coalition members in the area.

An F-15E provided a successful show of force with flares to ward off enemy attacks near Kabul.

In total, 43 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

In Iraq, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons and A-10s conducted shows of force over a building housing insurgents in Al Muqdadiyah.

Other F-16s provided overwatch for ground forces and a convoy in areas around Salman Pak.

Another F-16 showed force over Baqubah to keep enemies from returning to the scene of an earlier fire fight.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 59 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.

Eighteen Air Force, Navy, RAF and Royal Australian Air Force ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, five Navy and Air Force 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 155 airlift sorties were flown; 415 tons of cargo were delivered, and nearly 3,950 passengers were transported. This included approximately 15,400 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Aug. 31, Air Force, RAF and French tankers flew 55 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.9 million pounds of fuel to 230 receiving aircraft.