Airpower Summary for May 4

Photo By Staff Sgt. Patrick Dixon | Captain Thomas Knaust, a C-130 Hercules pilot deployed to the 737th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, pilots his aircraft through the dangerous skies over Iraq during a combat sortie that transported Soldiers into Iraq, April 21. The Air Force recently surpassed more than one million sorties flown by Air Force aircraft in the Global War on Terror since, Sept. 11, 2001. Synchronized and integrated into larger coalition air efforts, these missions represent the most deliberate, disciplined and precise air campaign in history. Captain Knaust is deployed from the 317th Operations Support Squadron, Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Patrick Dixon)  

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

05.04.2008

Courtesy Story

United States Air Forces Central           

By U.S. Air Forces Central Public Affairs, Combined Air and Space Operations Center

SOUTHWEST ASIA - Coalition airpower integrated with 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, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs performed shows of force in order to deter enemy activities in Bermel and Lwara. The Joint Terminal Attack Controller confirmed that the missions were successful.

In order to deter enemy activities, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles performed shows of force in Lwara and Orgune. The JTAC reported that the missions were successful.

In Garmser, a British GR.7 Harrier dropped an Enhanced Paveway munition in order to destroy enemy combatants in a compound engaging Friendly Forces. The JTAC declared that the missions were successful.

In total, 35 close air support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Twelve Air Force and Royal Air Force surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, two Royal Air Force aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 68 close air support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions integrated and synchronized coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided over watch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Twenty Air Force and Navy surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, eight Air Force, Navy, and Royal Air Force aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

U.S. Air Force C-130s and C-17s provided intra-theater heavy airlift, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 142 airlift sorties were flown; 394 tons of cargo delivered, and 3,253 passengers were transported. This included approximately 5,750 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

Coalition C-130 crews from Australia, Iraq, Japan, and Korea flew as part of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.

On, May 3, U.S. Air Force, French, and Royal Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 53 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.2 million pounds of fuel to 268 receiving aircraft.

• Date Taken: 05.04.2008
• Date Posted: 05.05.2008 12:17
• Story ID: 19116
• Location: (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)