U.S., Coalition Aircraft Provide Support for Southwest Asia Operations

WASHINGTON, UNITED STATES

01.07.2006

Courtesy Story

Defense.gov         

U.S. Air Force, Navy and coalition planes flew 48 close-air-support missions yesterday for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions included support to ground troops, infrastructure protection, reconstruction activities, and operations to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

For example, U.S. Air Force F-16s provided close-air support to coalition troops in contact with enemy forces in the vicinities of Kirkuk, Mosul and Ramadi.

In addition, seven U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Also, U.S. Air Force and Royal Air Force fighter aircraft performed in a nontraditional ISR role with their electro-optical and infrared sensors.

In Afghanistan, coalition aircraft flew 20 close-air-support missions for Operation Enduring Freedom. These missions included support to coalition and Afghan troops, reconstruction activities, and the conduct-of-presence route patrols.

And seven U.S. Air Force ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan.

U.S. Air Force C-130s and C-17s provided intratheater heavy airlift support, helping sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa. About 195 airlift sorties were flown, nearly 250 tons of cargo were delivered, and more than 3,300 passengers were transported. This included about 4,000 pounds of troop resupply air-dropped in central Afghanistan.

And coalition C-130 aircraft crews from Australia and Canada flew in support of either OIF or OEF.

U.S. Air Force and Royal Air Force tankers flew 26 sorties and off-loaded more than 1.8 million pounds of fuel on Jan. 5.

(Based on a U.S. Central Command Air Forces Forward news release.)

Story by American Forces Press Service

• Date Taken: 01.07.2006
• Date Posted: 07.04.2025 05:45
• Story ID: 539707
• Location: WASHINGTON, US