Aug. 31 airpower summary: Tankers bring fuel to fight

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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 Aug. 31, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped multiple guided bomb unit-38s and 31s on enemies along a ridgeline in Tarin Kowt.

Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles hit an enemy exit route with GBU-38s near Orgun-E. The on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed the bombs hit their targets. One of the F-15Es provided a show of force with flares to deter any enemy activity while helicopters were medically evacuating the wounded.

Other F-15Es dropped GBU-38s on an improvised explosive device factory in Asmar. The JTAC confirmed the hits were good.

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

Nine Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan.

In Iraq, an Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon used a GBU-12 to destroy a weapons cache of artillery rounds in Al Muqdadiyah. The fighter also searched for fake check points and performed counter IED activities in the area.

In Baquba, Navy F/A-18 Super Hornets conducted shows of force over an area suspected of enemy activity. The jets also performed non-traditional intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance in the area. The Super Hornet recovered aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise.

F-16s performed armed overwatch for coalition forces in Baghdad.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 58 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 and Royal 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 145 airlift sorties were flown; 605 tons of cargo were delivered, and nearly 2,574 passengers were transported. This included approximately 46,890 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Aug. 30, Air Force, RAF and French tankers flew 55 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.1 million pounds of fuel to 270 receiving aircraft.