Airpower Summary for Dec. 3, 2008

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

12.03.2008

Courtesy Story

United States Air Forces Central     

By the U.S. Air Forces Central Command Public Affairs Office

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

In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs dropped a guided bomb unit-38 and fired rockets against anti-Afghan forces who were firing rocket propelled grenades and mortars at coalition forces from behind a tree line in the vicinity of Nurestan. The missions were confirmed a success by the Joint Terminal Attack Controllers.

In the vicinity of Shurakian and Musa Qal Eh, Navy F/A-18F Super Hornets conducted shows of force to deter enemy fighters and provided armed aerial overwatch for a coalition convoy conducting clearance patrols in the area. The JTACs declared the missions successful.

An Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle conducted a show of force to deter enemy activities and provided armed aerial overwatch for the coalition forces near a district center in the vicinity of Gardez. The mission was reported a success by the JTAC.

In the vicinity of Sangin, Navy F/A-18C Hornets performed shows of force and provided armed aerial overwatch to deter anti-Afghan forces from firing at coalition forces conducting foot patrol operations in the area. The JTACs confirmed the missions successful.

A Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet conducted a show of force to deter enemy activities in the vicinity of Now Zad. The mission was reported a success by the JTAC.

In total, 70 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, two Navy aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, an Air Force MQ-1B Predator used hellfire missiles against anti-coalition members hiding in a river bed after using RPGs against coalition forces near Kirkuk. The JTAC declared the mission successful.

In the vicinity of Baghdad Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons performed shows of force and provided armed aerial overwatch to deter enemy forces from firing at coalition forces conducting foot patrol operations in the area. The missions were reported a success by the JTACs.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 21 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-five 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 140 airlift sorties were flown; more than 440 tons of cargo were delivered; and nearly 3,600 passengers were transported. This included approximately 57,700 pounds of troop re-supply that was air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Dec. 2, U.S. Air Force and coalition aerial refueling crews flew 46 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.2 million pounds of fuel to 241 receiving aircraft.

• Date Taken: 12.03.2008
• Date Posted: 12.04.2008 08:07
• Story ID: 27175
• Location: (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)