Aug. 18 airpower summary: Predators fly ISR missions

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in operations Aug. 18, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles strafed an enemy firing position with cannon rounds in Tarin Kowt. Enemy firing stopped after the strafing pass. The aircrews also performed numerous shows of force to stop other enemy attacks in the area.

Another F-15E provided a show of presence over an enemy position in Sangin.

A Royal Air Force Harrier GR-9 conducted a show of force for ground units who felt an enemy threat near their position in Gereshk. The joint terminal attack controller called the show of force successful.

In total, 46 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the International Security Assistance Force and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

In Iraq, Navy F/A-18C Hornets provided shows of force with flares over a suspected mortar position in Al Musayyib. The shows of force were reported as successful by the JTAC.

Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons conducted overwatch for a safe house in Baghdad. Another F-16 provided a show of force in the area.

Also in Baghdad, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II successfully showed force with flares for ground forces. The show of force was to protect coalition units after an improvised explosive device detonation.

F/A-18 crews flew overwatch missions and looked for anything suspicious happening in areas around Samarra and Salman Pak.

F-16 crews watched over a coalition raid as well as a cordon and search mission in Al Mahmudiyah. Ground forces had taken rocket-propelled grenade fire from the area earlier.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 69 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.

Seventeen Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, seven Navy, Air Force and Royal Air Force aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

Air Force C-130 Hercules 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, 396 tons of cargo were delivered and approximately 3,094 passengers were transported. This included approximately 20,700 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Aug. 17, U.S. Air Force, French air force and Royal Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 59 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.2 million pounds of fuel to 251 receiving aircraft.