Airpower Summary for May 4

Published May 5, 2008

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 here.

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.