Aug. 30 airpower summary: C-130's move people, supplies

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Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations August 30, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs strafed enemy personnel with cannon rounds. The attack was reported as successful.

Other A-10s conducted successful shows of force with flares to deter enemy fire on ground units in Kabul.

A Royal Air Force Harrier GR-7 destroyed an enemy compound with Enhanced Paveway II munitions in Sangin. Afterward, the aircraft escorted the convoy out of the area.

Also in Sangin, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles observed suspicious personnel moving around a compound.

Another F-15E conducted a successful show of force with flares over an enemy position in Tarin Kowt. Ground forces were taking small arms fire from the location before the flyover. No attacks were reported after the show of force.

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

Eleven Air Force and RAF 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 dropped guided bomb unit-38s on enemy buildings in Al Muqdadiyah. There were secondary explosions on both buildings after the weapons impacted. The pilots also monitored a funeral procession in the area.

U.S. Navy F/A-18C Hornets dropped a GBU-51 and a GBU-38 on enemies in a bongo truck in Baghdad. The truck was being used by improvised explosive device emplacers. The joint terminal attack controller reported the weapons had good effects.
Other F/A-18s provided successful shows of force over areas in Taji. The JTAC reported the shows of force as successful.

An F-16 showed force with flares over a suspicious vehicle in Tall Afar. Other F-16s watched over raids and suspicious activities throughout the area.

RAF Tornado GR-4s and F-16s monitored activity in areas around Al Iskandariyah.

An F-16 provided a show of force over a coalition checkpoint in Balad after it was attacked by insurgents. The show of force was reported as successful. Also, the pilots monitored activity around an IED detonation site.

In Baqubah, another F-16 destroyed a house wired with explosives using a GBU-38.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 71 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, Navy, RAF and Royal Australian Air Force ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, six Navy and RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

Air Force C-130 Hercules and C-17 Globemaster III's provided intratheater heavy airlift support, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 125 airlift sorties were flown; 475 tons of cargo was delivered, and approximately 3,300 passengers were transported.

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

On August 29, Air Force and RAF aerial refueling crews flew 54 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.9 million pounds of fuel to 242 receiving aircraft.