April 27 airpower summary: C-130s support Iraqi operations

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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 April 27, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle dropped guided bomb unit-12s on an insurgent sniper position near Khowst. The weapons hit the desired target according to an on-scene joint terminal attack controller.

An Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II dropped a GBU-12 on an insurgent compound near Garmsir. A JTAC confirmed a good hit as the building in the compound collapsed.

Other A-10s provided coalition convoy overwatch near Shkin. No attacks were reported on the convoy with the A-10 on scene.

U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornets fired cannons and dropped GBU-12s and a GBU-38 on a building used by insurgents near Garmsir. A JTAC confirmed the building was hit with good effects.

Royal Air Force GR-7 Harriers fired rockets and dropped an enhanced Paveway II munition and a 540-pound air-burst bomb on an insurgent compound near Shindad. Insurgents were firing at coalition forces from the compound and had them pinned down. A JTAC confirmed the compound was successfully struck.

In total, 47 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

In Iraq, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons provided overwatch for a coalition tank that struck an improvised explosive device near Samarra. The pilots conducted reconnaissance of IED and mortar-related activity in the area.

Other F-16s provided a show of force to disperse a group gathering near Karbala. A JTAC confirmed that the individuals went back into their houses and the town quieted down. The pilots then conducted reconnaissance for IEDs and reported a hot spot near Ad Diwaniyah.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 34 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, Navy and Royal Australian Air Force ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, two 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. More than 155 airlift sorties were flown; more than 300 tons of cargo were delivered, and approximately 1,970 passengers were transported.

Coalition C-130 crews from Australia, Iraq and South Korea flew in support of OIF or OEF.

On April 26, Air Force, French and RAF tankers flew 44 sorties and off-loaded more than 2.6 million pounds of fuel.