Aug. 27 airpower summary: Stratotankers help 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 August 27, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs targeted enemies near Kandahar with cannon rounds. The on-scene joint terminal attack controller reported the rounds hit their intended targets.

Other A-10s conducted multiple shows of force with flares to stop enemy troops from reattacking coalition forces in Asmar. Coalition forces weren't engaged while the A-10s were overhead.

Also in Asmar, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle showed force over a convoy that had been attacked. The aircrew watched over the convoy during the medical evacuation that followed.

F-15Es dropped guided bomb unit 38s and 31s on enemy firing positions around Orgun-E. The aircraft engaged after a convoy was attacked from those positions. The weapon drops were considered successful by the JTAC.

Also in Orgun-E, a French Mirage 2000 and a Mirage F-1C dropped GBU-12s on enemy personnel.

Another Mirage 2000 provided a show of force with flares for a friendly convoy moving through Qal-E-Naw.

A-10s provided overwatch and cover for a medical evacuation in Jalalabad. A ground convoy came under small-arms fire and an improvised explosive device blast, which prompted the evacuation.

F-15Es dropped GBU-12s on enemies in a tree line in Kajaki Dam. Later, the aircrew attacked enemies in a building with a GBU-38. The desired effect was achieved from the engagements. One of the F-15Es provided a show of force to ensure ground forces could exit the area safely.

A-10s provided successful shows of force with flares to keep enemies from attacking ground forces in Kabul and Gereshk.

An F-15E also conducted a successful show of force with flares in Garmsir.

Air Force B-1B Lancers provided successful shows of force with flares to ward off enemy attacks in Garmsir and Farah.

In total, 50 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 Royal Air Force aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons used GBU-38s to destroy a building being used as a vehicle-born IED factory and trigger hideout in Fallujah.

An Air Force MQ-1 Predator fired a Hellfire missile at insurgents in Baqubah. The weapon impacted its targets. RAF GR-4 Tornados watched over the Hellfire missile impact area afterward.

Also in Baqubah, Navy F/A-18 Hornets fired cannon rounds at enemies in a building. The enemies were using the building as cover while firing on ground forces.

Another F/A-18 conducted a successful show of force with flares in Al Kut.

Other F/A-18s conducted a show of force and armed overwatch over areas in Samarra. The pilots also spotted IED emplacers and passed their location along to the JTAC. The emplacers were apprehended by a quick response force.

F-16s and A-10s provided multiple shows of force over areas in Al Mahmudiyah. The pilots also watched over friendly forces in the area.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 65 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.

Twenty one Air Force, Navy and RAF 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, 510 tons of cargo were delivered and 3,455 passengers were transported. Airlift included approximately 43,480 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On August 26, Air Force and RAF tankers flew 53 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.3 million pounds of fuel to 259 receiving aircraft.