Airpower Summary for Jan. 1

Photo By Master Sgt. Brian Ferguson | Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II takes off from Bagram Airfield to fly a combat sortie in...... read more read more

Photo By Master Sgt. Brian Ferguson | Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II takes off from Bagram Airfield to fly a combat sortie in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The A-10 Thunderbolt II has excellent maneuverability at low air speeds and altitude, and is a highly accurate weapons-delivery platform. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Staff Sgt. Brian Ferguson)  see less | View Image Page

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

01.01.2008

Courtesy Story

United States Air Forces Central           

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U.S. Central Command Air Forces Public Affairs

SOUTHWEST ASIA — Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations, Jan. 1, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials.

In Afghanistan, a French Mirage-2000 engaged an enemy target with a Guided Bomb Unit-12 in Now Zad. The mission was reported as a success by the joint terminal attack controller.

An Air Force B-1B Lancer engaged enemy combatants with a GBU-31 in Nangalam. The enemy combatants were engaging friendly forces with small arms fire and rocket propelled grenades. The mission was reported as successful by the JTAC.

An Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II performed a show of force with flares to deter enemy activities in Asadabad. In the same area, an A-10 engaged enemy combatants with a GBU-12 and Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles targeted an enemy firing position with GBU-38s. The missions were reported as successful.

A show of force was conducted by an M-2000 to deter enemy activities in Musa Qala. The mission was reported as a success by the JTAC. In the same area, an Air Force MQ-1B Predator engaged enemy combatants with a Hellfire missile. The JTAC reported the mission as a success.

Shows of force were performed by F-15Es to deter enemy activities in Gereshk, Konduz, and Orgune. The shows of force were reported as successful.

In total, 41 close air support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Eight Air Force and Royal Air Force Surveillance and Reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan.

In Iraq, a B-1B destroyed weapons caches with GBU-31s in Baghdad. The mission was reported successful by the JTAC.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 57 close air support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions supported coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided overwatch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Twenty-one Air Force and Navy Surveillance and Reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, four Navy aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

U.S. Air Force C-130s and C-17s provided intra-theater heavy airlift support, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 140 airlift sorties were flown; 502 tons of cargo were delivered and 3,340 passengers were transported. This included approximately 54,000 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

Coalition C-130 crews from Australia and Japan flew in support of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.

On Dec. 31, U.S. Air Force, French, and Royal Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 45 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.1 million pounds of fuel to 262 receiving aircraft.