July 21 airpower summary: C-17s key to airlift operations

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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 July 21, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II conducted shows of force with flares to deter enemy activity in Tarin Kowt. There were no reports of enemy contact after the show of force.

Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles strafed an enemy compound and a tree line in Garmsir with cannon rounds after ground forces were taking small-arms fire from the location. The F-15Es also dropped guided bomb unit-38s on the enemies in those locations as well. The joint terminal attack controller confirmed the weapons impacted their intended targets

In total, 34 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Eight Air Force and Royal 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, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped multiple GBU-38s on an enemy safe house in Baghdad. The JTAC reported the bombs destroyed the building causing secondary explosions.

Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons struck insurgent targets with GBU-38s and GBU-12s around Baghdad. The targets were a known terrorist training camp and safe house. The bombs destroyed their intended targets.

A-10s and an F-16 also provided multiple shows of force with flares over known enemy hotspots and to disperse a crowd around Baghdad. The shows of force were reported to have good effects.

Also in Baghdad, Navy F/A-18A Hornets conducted a show of force with flares to break up a large demonstration. The crowd began to disperse after the show of force. Other F-18s monitored suspicious activity and ground forces movement throughout the area.

F-16s destroyed a weapons cache with a GBU-38 in Baquba.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 68 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 and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, four Navy aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

U.S. 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 140 airlift sorties were flown; 539 tons of cargo were delivered and approximately 2,430 passengers were transported. This included approximately 15,750 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On July 20, U.S. Air Force, Royal Air Force and French Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 55 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.1 million pounds of fuel to 251 receiving aircraft.