Aug. 20 airpower summary: Crew chiefs track maintenance

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

In Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II provided a show of force with flares to deter a re-attack from enemies in an area around Gereshk. The on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed the show of force as successful.

A Royal Air Force GR-7 Harrier conducted a show of presence over friendly positions in Kajaki Dam.

An Air Force B-1B Lancer provided a successful show of force with flares over a Taliban operating in Tarin Kowt. The aircrew also conducted shows of presence over coalition routes in the area.

Also in Tarin Kowt, A-10s engaged a sniper position with cannon fire. The pilots also provided successful shows of force over the area as well.

A GR-7 destroyed an enemy vehicle in Tarin Kowt with enhanced Paveway II munitions. The vehicle, containing large amounts of munitions, had been badly damaged by A-10 cannon rounds earlier.

Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles provided a show of presence over a friendly forces position in Sangin. The aircrews searched for a possible enemy observation post as well.

Also in Sangin, other F-15Es hit an enemy firing position with multiple cannon rounds.

Other F-15Es provided successful shows of force over areas in Asmar and Gereshk.

In total, 40 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Eight 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 conducted shows of force over a building and enemy firing position in Bayji. The aircraft stayed with the ground forces until they returned to their forward operating base.

Another F-16 provided a show of presence over a water treatment plant around Samarra to make individuals aware there was air power in the area.

In Balad, F-16s watched over a building raid.

Other F-16s monitored a possible vehicle-borne improvised explosive device and watched for enemy attacks. The F-16s watched to ensure insurgents weren't exiting the area.

Royal Air Force Tornados provided successful shows of force against enemies around Ad Diwaniyah.

F-16s provided shows of force over enemy areas in Baqubah.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 56 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.

Sixteen Air Force, Navy and RAF ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, three Air Force 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.

Some 145 airlift sorties were flown, 595 tons of cargo were delivered, and nearly 2,840 passengers were transported. Airlift included approximately 14,240 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Aug. 19, Air Force, French and RAF tankers flew 60 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.4 million pounds of fuel to 284 receiving aircraft.