Airpower: A-10s conduct show of force

SOUTHWEST ASIA: Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations May 7, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs dropped a guided bomb unit-12, general-purpose 500-pound bombs and fired cannon rounds onto enemy combatants and enemy combatant locations in the vicinity of Asadabad. An on-scene joint terminal attack controller declared the mission as a success.

An Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped GBU-31s and GBU-38s onto enemy combatant fighting positions and a weapons cache in the vicinity of Asadabad. The mission was reported as a success by a JTAC.

In Bari Kowt, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle dropped a GBU-31 onto an enemy position successfully destroying the target.

An A-10 conducted shows of force in order to deter enemy activities against coalition forces in Bermel and Khowst. A JTAC confirmed the missions as successful.

An A-10 Thunderbolt II takes off from Bagram Airfield, to fly a combat sortie in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The A-10 has excellent maneuverability at low air speeds and altitude, and is a highly accurate weapons-delivery platforms. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Brian Ferguson) More Military Pictures

In Bagram, F-15Es performed shows of force in order to deter enemy activities in the area. The missions were declared successful by a JTAC.

In total, 42 close-air-support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Thirty-eight Air Force and Royal Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, two RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, coalition aircraft flew 64 close air support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions integrated and synchronized coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided overwatch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

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

Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intra-theater heavy airlift, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 146 airlift sorties were flown, 352 tons of cargo delivered and 3,140 passengers were transported. This included approximately 96,000 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 6, Air Force, French and RAF tanker crews flew 50 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3 million pounds of fuel to 252 receiving aircraft.