May 24 airpower summary: Tankers fuel 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 May 24, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles released guided bomb unit -38s on an insurgent firing position in Din Kalay. The aircrews also performed a show of force with multiple flares. Ground forces highlighted the firing position with artillery rounds showing the aircrews the target. The attacks were successful according to an on-scene joint terminal attack controller.

JTACs are highly trained U.S. Air Force and coalition personnel who advise ground commanders on appropriate air power support, relay the ground commander's intent to air power assets overhead and communicate with aircrews for precision engagement.

An Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped GBU-38s on an insurgent building in Sangin. The ground commander ordered the strike after taking fire from enemies in the building. The weapons struck the desired target and the attack was reported successful. The B-1 also conducted shows of presence in the surrounding area.

Another B-1 provided a show of force, launching flares for coalition personnel moving in Kandahar. The forces were conducting a sweep for enemy insurgents when they were attacked by small-arms fire. The attack stopped when the B-1 came on the scene.

Also in Kandahar, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II provided a show of force, launching flares in the area later that day. The JTAC confirmed the show of force was successful. Other A-10s continued to survey the area.

Another A-10 showed force by launching flares for coalition personnel around Tarin Kowt.

Also in Tarin Kowt, a French Mirage 2000 provided a show of force, releasing flares supporting coalition forces taking fire from an enemy compound.

A B-1 provided a show of presence along coalition routes near Gereshk and Ghazni.

F-15Es watched over coalition positions and searched for insurgents near Garmsir.

In total, 31 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

In Iraq, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons dropped GBU-38s on a building suspected to be booby-trapped near Baquba. The JTAC confirmed that the weapons impacted their target and the building was destroyed. The F-16s also watched over a raid in the area.

In Tall Afar, F-16s showed force, launching flares to support coalition forces performing a raid in the area. The show of force was reported as successful by the JTAC. The pilots also provided counter IED operations in the area.

F-16s provided a show of force, dispensing flares over a group of suspicious individuals near Al Kut. The show of force was reported as successful.

F-16s provided armed overwatch for a convoy that took small-arms fire in Balad. The pilots also monitored another convoy struck by an IED in Al Muqdadiyah.

In Baghdad, F-16s conducted overwatch and IED scans.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 58 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.

Fifteen Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, three Air Force and Navy fighter 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 175 airlift sorties were flown; more than 565 tons of cargo were delivered, and approximately 3,345 passengers were transported.

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

On May 23, Air Force, RAF and Republic of Singapore tankers flew 42 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.6 million pounds of fuel to 211 receiving aircraft.