May 14 airpower summary: Airmen deliver supplies, people

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNEWS) --  Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan in the following operations May 14, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Royal Air Force GR-9 Harriers dropped 540 pound bombs on enemy targets around Kajaki Dam. An on-scene joint terminal attack controller reported the impacts were successful. The pilots also fired rockets at an insurgent compound and watched over coalition movement in the area.

Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles provided a show of presence and armed overwatch for a convoy near Shindand. The pilots handed off overwatch duties to Navy F/A-18 Hornets. The Navy pilots showed their presence to deter attacks on the convoy.

Near Asmar, other F-15Es watched over a medical evacuation after a coalition convoy was struck by small-arms and rocket-propelled grenade fire. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs also provided overwatch for the evacuation.

Other A-10s conducted a show of force, firing multiple flares during a separate medical evacuation near Sahidan. 

F/A-18s investigated many locations around Afghanistan including Gereshk, Asmar, and Tarin Kowt. The pilots watched over convoys and looked for suspicious mortar activity.

In total, 68 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Twelve Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, four Navy and RAF aircraft provided tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons performed shows of force, expelling flares over a stopped convoy that encountered insurgent fire. Two F-16s split up to provide cover for a rescue convoy receiving fire while moving toward the disabled vehicles. The JTAC in the area reported the shows of force were a success.

F-16s also performed a show of force, expelling flares near Samarra. The pilots also monitored coalition forces searching for a wounded insurgent.

An RAF GR-4 Tornado executed a show of force, dispensing flares near Basrah. The pilot also provided overwatch for a convoy and a raid by coalition forces. Another GR-4 pilot watched over a location suspected to contain improvised explosive devices. The pilots also watched for anyone trying to leave a cordoned area near Baghdad.

F-16s provided a show of force and armed overwatch for coalition forces taking fire near Salman Pak.

Over Baghdad, F-16s monitored a house an Army helicopter fired upon. The pilots also watched a coalition convoy that took RPG fire and was hit with an IED. Other F-16s performed overwatch for a coalition raid and monitored a restricted area of the city.

Also in Baghdad, F-16s monitored activity around a bridge suspected to be an enemy target. The jets also provided counter-IED reconnaissance in the area.

F-16s searched for insurgents and monitored a raid in Samarra and also looked for high value individuals in Al-Hillah.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 50 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, three Air Force and RAF 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 155 airlift sorties were flown; and more than 510 tons of cargo was delivered, and approximately 3,625 passengers were transported. This included more than 32,255 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 May 13, Air Force, RAF, French and Republic of Singapore tankers flew 46 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.6 million pounds of fuel to 232 receiving aircraft.