CENTAF releases airpower summary for Aug. 16 Published Aug. 16, 2006 SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) -- U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Aug. 16.In Afghanistan Aug. 15, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided close-air support for coalition troops taking small-arms fire from Taliban extremists near Gardez. The A-10s conducted a pass, expending cannon rounds and ending the engagement. An Air Force B-1 Lancer and Royal Air Force Harrier GR-7s provided close-air support for coalition troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Musah Qal'eh. The GR-7s conducted passes, expending rockets and an enhanced Paveway II 1,000-pound bomb, ending the engagement. A-10s also provided close-air support to coalition forces near Khowst and Musah Qal'eh. A B-1 also provided close-air support to coalition forces near Kandahar and Musah Qal'eh. Additionally, eight U.S., French and Royal Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, or ISR, aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan.In total, coalition aircraft flew 25 close-air-support missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. These missions included support to coalition and Afghan troops, reconstruction activities and route patrols. In Iraq, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons provided close-air support to troops in contact with anti-Iraqi forces near Tall Afar. Additionally, 15 Air Force, Navy and Royal Air Force ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq . In total, coalition aircraft flew 40 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions included support to coalition troops, infrastructure protection, reconstruction activities and operations to deter and disrupt terrorist activities. Air Force C-130 Hercules and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intra-theater heavy airlift support, helping sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa. They flew 150 airlift sorties, delivered 380 tons of cargo and transported 2,740 passengers. Coalition C-130 crews from Australia, Canada and Japan flew in support of either OIF or OEF. On Aug. 14, U.S., French and Royal Air Force tankers flew 41 sorties and off-loaded more than 2.4 million pounds of fuel.