US Airpower Summary; Oct. 3, 2008: C-17s Provide Airlift Support

A C-17 Globemaster III takes off from a base in Southwest Asia. Coalition C-17s provide intra-theater heavy airlift, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa. (U.S. Air Force photo.)

Dispatches from the Front:

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Oct. 3, 2008 -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Oct. 2, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, coalition aircraft dropped guided bomb unit-12s onto an improvised explosive device compound in the vicinity of Oruzgan. Furthermore, an Air Force Reaper MQ-9 fired a hellfire rocket onto an IED compound. The on-scene joint terminal attack controller declared the mission successful.

In the vicinity of Nangalam, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs dropped general-purpose 500-pound bombs and fired cannon rounds and rockets onto anti-Afghan forces. The mission was confirmed successful by a JTAC.

Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped a GBU-38 and GBU-31 onto anti-Afghan forces engaging coalition forces with RPGs and small-arms fire in the vicinity of Bari Kowt. A JTAC reported the mission successful.

A-10s performed shows of force near Sheykhabad and in the vicinity of Ali Kheyl to deter insurgent activities. The missions were declared successful by JTACs.

Coalition aircraft conducted shows of force to deter enemy activities in the vicinity of Sangin, Balocan and Surkhabad. The JTACs confirmed the missions successful.

In total, 52 close-air-support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Fifteen Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan.

In Iraq, coalition aircraft flew 48 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions integrated and synchronized with coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided over watch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Twenty-eight Air Force and Navy intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, three Air Force and coalition 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 137 airlift sorties were flown; 304 tons of cargo were delivered, and 4,798 passengers were transported. This included approximately 88,580 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

Coalition C-130 crews flew as part of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.

(From a U.S. Air Force news release.)

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