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Airpower Summary for December 25

  • Published
  • Combined Air and Space Operations Center
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Coalition airpower integrated with Coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations Dec. 25, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle performed a show of force with flares to deter enemy activities in Gereshk. The mission was reported as successful by the Joint Terminal Attack Controller.

Multiple shows of force were performed in Kandahar and a show of force was performed in Kajaki Dam by F-15Es. The shows of force, including the use of flares, were performed to deter enemy actions. All of the missions were reported as a success.

Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs conducted shows of force with flares to deter enemy activities in Orgune. The shows of force were reported as successful by the JTAC.

In Khowst and Kajaki Dam, multiple shows of force were performed by F-15Es to deter enemy activities in the area. The JTACs reported that the missions achieved the desired effects.

In total, 39 close air support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Six Air Force Surveillance and Reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, two Royal Air Force aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons dropped Guided Bomb Unit-38s on an enemy compound in Mosul. Coalition forces encountered hostile fire from enemy combatants within the compound. The strike destroyed the intended target.

An F-16 targeted an enemy position with GBU-38s northeast of Baqubah. Friendly forces were engaged with enemy combatants in the area. The JTAC declared the strike successful.

Enemy fire was suppressed by an F-16 show of force in Baghdad. The JTAC reported the mission successful.

A Royal Air Force Tornado GR-4 deterred enemy activities and showed continued presence over Coalition positions by performing shows of force in Um Qasr. The mission was deemed a success.

In total, Coalition aircraft flew 47 close air support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions supported Coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided over watch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Twenty Air Force and Navy Surveillance and Reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, two Royal Air Force 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; 610 tons of cargos were delivered, and 2,626 passengers were transported.

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

On Dec. 24, U.S. Air Force, French, and Royal Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 40 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.7 million pounds of fuel to 227 receiving aircraft.