Airpower Summary for May 30

Photo By Capt. Michael Meridith | Aircrews perform a preflight check on an MQ-9 Reaper before it takes off for a mission in Afghanistan. The Reaper is larger and more heavily-armed than the MQ-1 Predator and in addition to its traditional ISR capabilities, is designed to attack time-sensitive targets with persistence and precision.  

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

05.30.2008

Courtesy Story

United States Air Forces Central           

By the U.S. Air Forces Central Public Affairs

SOUTHWEST ASIA — Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations May 30, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs performed shows of force in order to deter enemy activities in Gardez and Ghanzi. Joint Terminal Attack Controllers confirmed that the missions were successful.

In Kandahar, an Air Force MQ-9A fired hellfire missiles in order to destroy enemy combatants engaging friendly forces with RPGs. The JTAC reported that the mission was successful.

In Gereshk, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle performed a show of force in order to deter enemy activities. The JTAC declared that the mission was successful.

A British GR.7 Harrier performed a show of force in order to deter enemy activities in Sangin. The JTAC confirmed that the mission was successful.

In total, 52 close air support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Fourteen 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 Iraq, coalition aircraft flew 65 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-five Air Force, Navy, and Royal Australian Air Force 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-130 Hercules and C-17 Globemaster III's provided intra-theater heavy airlift, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 141 airlift sorties were flown; 588 tons of cargo delivered, and 3,749 passengers were transported. This included approximately 72,000 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On May 29, U.S. Air Force, French, and Royal Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 54 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.1 million pounds of fuel to 268 receiving aircraft.

• Date Taken: 05.30.2008
• Date Posted: 05.31.2008 12:12
• Story ID: 19980
• Location: (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)