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April 20 airpower summary: C-130s transport cargo

  • Published
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations April 20, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles performed shows of force in order to deter enemy activities in Bari Kowt and Orgune. An on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed that the missions were successful.

In Farah, French 2000 Mirages performed shows of force in order to deter enemy activities. A JTAC reported that the missions were successful.

An Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II performed a show of force in order to deter enemy activities in Bagram. A JTAC declared the success of the mission.

In total, 38 close-air-support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

In Iraq, a Navy F/A-18 Hornet dropped a guided bomb unit-38 in order to destroy an enemy building housing insurgents in Baghdad. A JTAC confirmed that the mission was successful.

In Baghdad, an Air Force MQ-1 Predator dropped a Hellfire missile in order to destroy insurgents unloading missiles form the trunk of a car. A JTAC reported that the mission was successful.

An F/A-18 Super Hornet performed a show of force in order to deter enemy activities in Basra. A JTAC declared that the mission was successful.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 52 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-six 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 140 airlift sorties were flown, 486 tons of cargo delivered and 3,340 passengers were transported.

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

On April 19, Air Force and RAF tanker crews flew 47 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.9 million pounds of fuel to 249 receiving aircraft.