Airpower Summary for Jan. 4, 2009

Courtesy Photo | Avionics mechanics Jonathan Hagy and Russell Gordy work on an MQ-1 Predator unmanned aerial vehicle May 17 at Balad Air Base, Iraq. The Predator provides armed reconnaissance, airborne surveillance and target acquisition for Iraq.  

01.07.2009

Story by Master Sgt. Mikal Canfield 

United States Air Forces Central     

By U.S. Air Forces Central Public Affairs

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations Jan. 4, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials.

In Afghanistan, Navy F/A-18E Super Hornets fired cannon rounds onto anti-Afghan forces positioned behind a tree line in the vicinity of Shurakian. Furthermore, an F/A-18E conducted a show of force expending flares to deter further enemy activities. The missions were confirmed a success by the Joint Terminal Attack Controllers.

Near Monari, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs performed shows of force expending flares and provided armed aerial overwatch for a coalition convoy conducting operations in the area. The JTACs declared the missions successful.

Navy F/A-18A Hornets conducted shows of force expending flares and provided armed aerial overwatch for a coalition forces patrol that had taken fire from a compound in the vicinity of Musa Qal Eh and Kajaki Dam. The missions were reported a success by the JTACs.

Near Delaram, a Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet conducted a show of force and performed armed aerial reconnaissance for a coalition forces foot patrol. The JTAC confirmed the mission successful.

In total, 53 close air support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Eighteen Air Force surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, four Navy and coalition aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, coalition aircraft flew 42 close air support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions integrated and synchronized with coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided overwatch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt hostile activities.

Twenty-six Air Force and Navy surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, two 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 110 airlift sorties were flown; more than 270 tons of cargo were delivered; and nearly 3,000 passengers were transported.

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

On January 3, U.S. Air Force and coalition aerial refueling crews flew 44 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.0 million pounds of fuel to 229 receiving aircraft.

• Date Taken: 01.07.2009
• Date Posted: 01.07.2009 01:45
• Story ID: 28530