May 4 airpower summary: C-17s bring support to ground forces

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNEWS) --  Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations May 4, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials.

In Afghanistan, a U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer provided a show of force, releasing multiple flares, for coalition forces receiving small arms fire while pursuing insurgents near Shkin. A Joint Terminal Attack Controller confirmed the show of force was successful.

U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided reconnaissance of enemy firing positions and suspicious activity near Now Zad.

A Royal Air Force GR-7 Harrier dropped an Enhanced Paveway II munition on an enemy tunnel complex near Kajaki Dam. A JTAC confirmed the weapon directly hit the target.

In total, 39 close air support missions were flown in support of the International Security Assistance Force and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Ten U.S. Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, two Royal Air Force fighter aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, A-10s conducted counter-improvised explosive device reconnaissance along multiple routes near Baghdad. The pilots also provided overwatch for a coalition convoy with a disabled vehicle and for coalition patrols in the same area.

U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons conducted counter-IED reconnaissance along multiple routes near Tikrit. In the same area, the pilots provided overwatch for a coalition forces raid.

Another F-16 conducted a show of force to deter potential attacks on a coalition convoy near Diwaniyah. A JTAC reported the show of force was successful.

Near Mawsil, F-16s provided a two-ship show of force, releasing multiple flares, at the request of the coalition ground commander to disperse anti-Iraqi individuals. A JTAC reported the show of force was successful. The pilots also conducted overwatch for a coalition convoy receiving small arms fire from anti-Iraqi personnel. No further attacks were reported after arrival of the F-16s on scene.

A Royal Air Force GR-4 Tornado provided consecutive shows of force for coalition forces in contact with insurgents near Baghdad. The shows of force were reported as successful.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 48 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.

Nineteen U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy and Royal Australian Air Force ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, two Royal Air Force fighter aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

U.S. Air Force C-130s and C-17s provided intra-theater heavy airlift support, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa. Approximately 165 airlift sorties were flown; about 580 tons of cargo were delivered, and approximately 2,385 passengers were transported.

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

On May 3, U.S. Air Force, French Air Force and Royal Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 41 sorties and off-loaded more than 2.3 million pounds of fuel to 191 receiving aircraft.