Airpower Summary for December 11

Published Dec. 12, 2007
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. 11, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles engaged enemy firing positions with Guided Bomb Unit-38s in Asadabad. A show of force with flares was also performed to deter enemy activities in the area. The missions were reported as successful by the Joint Terminal Attack Controller.

An Air Force B-1B Lancer targeted a compound containing enemy combatants and a weapons cache with a GBU-38 near Sangin. During the same mission, enemy combatants and a mortar position were struck with a GBU-31. The JTAC reported the mission successful.

In the same area, an F-15E performed a show of force to deter enemy activities. The mission was declared a success.

Enemy firing positions and compounds were engaged by a B-1B with GBU-31s and GBU-38s in Deh Rawod. The enemy combatants were engaging friendly forces with small arms fire and rocket propelled grenades. The JTAC reported the mission a success.

Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs engaged enemy combatants with cannon rounds and GBU-38s in Asadabad. During the same mission, an Air Force MQ-1B Predator fired a hellfire missile against enemy combatants who were engaging friendly forces in the area. The mission was reported successful.

An A-10 performed a show of force to deter enemy activities in Gardez. The mission was reported as a success.

In total, 42 close air support missions were flown in support of the International Security Assistance Force and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

In Iraq, an Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon destroyed House Bourne Improvised Explosive Devices with GBU-38s northeast of Baqubah. The strike was declared successful.

An F-16 dropped GBU-38s on enemy combatants in Baqubah. The enemy combatants were engaging Coalition forces in the area. The mission was successful.

Enemy structures northeast of Baqubah were destroyed by GBU-12s and GBU-38s during a strike conducted by F-16s. The JTAC confirmed the buildings were destroyed.

In total, Coalition aircraft flew 60 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, five Air Force and Navy 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 125 airlift sorties were flown; 396 tons of cargos were delivered, and 2,912 passengers were transported. This included approximately 48,000 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Dec. 10, U.S. Air Force, French, and Royal Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 42 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.9 million pounds of fuel to 256 receiving aircraft.