CENTAF releases Aug. 1 airpower summary Published Aug. 1, 2006 By CENTAF public affairs SOUTHWEST ASIA -- U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Aug. 1. In Afghanistan July 31, the Air Force provided close-air support for coalition troops in contact with anti-coalition forces near Musah Qal’eh. In two separate engagements A-10 Thunderbolt IIs expended cannon rounds, which destroyed two enemy vehicles. In a third engagement, a B-1 Lancer provided close-air support for coalition troops taking rocket-propelled grenade and small-arms fire from anti-coalition forces. The aircraft expended guided bomb unit-38s on the enemy positions, ending the engagement. A B-1 also provided close-air support for troops in contact with enemy forces near Tarin Kowt. Additionally, six U.S. and French Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, or ISR, aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan. In total, coalition aircraft flew 22 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 for troops in contact with anti-Iraqi forces near Baghdad. F-16s and an MQ-1 Predator unmanned aerial vehicle also provided close-air support for troops in contact with anti-Iraqi forces near Al Taji. Additionally, 11 Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Air Force fighter aircraft performed in non-traditional ISR roles with their electro-optical and infrared sensors. In total, coalition aircraft flew 45 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. On July 30, an Air Force rescue and medical crew on a HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopter flew one medical evacuation mission in support of OEF. One Afghan National Army member with injuries requiring urgent care was evacuated. 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 155 airlift sorties, delivered 535 tons of cargo and transported 2,160 passengers. Coalition C-130 crews from Australia, Canada and Japan flew in support of either OIF or OEF. On July 30, U.S., French and Royal Air Force tankers flew 39 sorties and off-loaded more than 2.4 million pounds of fuel.