SOUTHWEST ASIA — Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations, June 21, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials.
In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle hit a group of anti-Afghan forces gunmen near Orgun using a guided bomb unit-38. The aircraft targeted the group as they were firing on an Afghan and coalition unit.
An Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II flying in the Asadabad area carried out a show of force, expending flares, in order to stop enemy gunfire against a friendly unit. The jet also provided overwatch of the area, searching for any additional threats.
Near Gereshk, a coalition aircraft performed a show of force after anti-Afghan personnel acting as spotters were located by a coalition ground unit. The aircraft's demonstration prevented the enemy from carrying out out a mortar or rocket attack.
A coalition aircraft executed a show of force and expended flares in order to prevent enemy aggression against a coalition unit. The show of force thwarted an enemy attack.
F-15Es flew shows of force over Landar supporting a request from a friendly unit. The aircraft's presence added a layer of security to ground operations, avoiding the need for a direct engagement of enemy forces.
Joint Terminal Attack Controllers assigned to coalition units verified the success of these missions.
In total, 74 close air support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.
Twenty Air Force surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan. In addition, two Navy aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.
In Iraq, coalition aircraft flew 21 close air support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions integrated and synchronized with coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided overwatch for reconstruction activities, and helped to deter and disrupt hostile activities.
Twenty-six Air Force and Navy surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. In addition, two 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 140 airlift sorties were flown; 740 tons of cargo was delivered; and about 2,950 passengers were transported. This included about 99,400 pounds of aerial resupply cargo dropped over Afghanistan.
Coalition C-130 crews flew as part of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.
On June 20, Air Force HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopters and "Guardian Angel" teams transported 17 patients to coalition field hospitals from locations in Afghanistan. Pararescue Team members aboard located, rescued and began treatment to stabilize patients in the battlefield. The Pave Hawk transported these patients to field hospitals in less time than it takes for a civilian patient to reach emergency care by ambulance in most major cities.
U.S. Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 51 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.0 million pounds of fuel to 234 receiving aircraft.