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Airpower Summary for December 14

  • Published
  • Combined Air and Space Operations
Coalition airpower integrated with Coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations Dec. 14, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs engaged enemy combatants in a compound in Garmsir with cannon rounds, a general purpose 500-pound bomb, and Guided Bomb Unit-38s. The Joint Terminal Attack Controller reported the mission a success.

In the same area, an Air Force B-1B Lancer engaged an enemy position with a GBU-38. Enemy combatants were engaging friendly forces in the area. The mission was reported a success by the JTAC.

French Mirage 2000s performed shows of force to deter enemy activities in Musa Qala. The mission was reported as successful.

Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles targeted enemy combatants with GBU-12s in Gardez. The JTAC declared the mission as a success.

In Orgune, a B-1B conducted shows of force to deter enemy activities. In the same area, a show of force was performed by an F-15E to deter enemy actions. Both missions were reported as successful.

A show of force was performed by an F-15E to deter enemy activities in Gereshk. The mission was reported as a success by the JTAC.

In total, 38 close air support missions were flown in support of the International Security Assistance Force and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

In Iraq, an Air Force MQ-1B Predator engaged enemy combatants with a hellfire missile in Baqubah. During the same mission, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons engaged enemy combatants with GBU-12s. The mission was reported as a success by the JTAC.

An F-16 targeted an enemy vehicle with a GBU-12 in Balad. The JTAC confirmed the vehicle was destroyed and the mission successful.

A Royal Air Force Tornado GR-4 performed a show of force to deter enemy activities in Baghdad. The mission was declared as a success by the JTAC.

In total, Coalition aircraft flew 66 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-four Air Force and Royal Australian Air Force Surveillance and Reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, seven Air Force, Navy, and 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 139 airlift sorties were flown; 342 tons of cargos were delivered, and 3,146 passengers were transported. This included approximately 79,690 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Dec. 13, 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 255 receiving aircraft.