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Airpower Summary for January 8

  • 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 Jan. 8, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II performed a show of force with flares to deter enemy activities in Orgune. The Joint Terminal Attack Controller reported the show of force as a success.

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

Eight Air Force and Royal 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, Navy F/A-18E Super Hornets targeted an Al Qaeda training camp with Guided Bomb Unit-38s in Babil. The Al Qaeda training camp was destroyed and the mission was reported successful by the JTAC.

Navy F/A-18F Super Hornets destroyed improvised explosive devices with GBU-31s and GBU-38s in Babil. During separate missions in the same area, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons destroyed IEDs with GBU-38s and Royal Air Force Tornado GR-4s destroyed an IED with Enhance Paveway II munitions. The JTAC reported the missions as successful.
Enemy combatants were engaged by F-16s using GBU-12s and a GBU-38 in Samarra. The enemy combatants were engaging friendly forces with small arms fire. During the same mission, a Navy F/A-18C Hornet and an F/A-18F engaged enemy combatants with GBU-38s. The JTAC reported the missions as successful.

A land bridge used by enemy combatants to transport weapons was destroyed by F-16s with GBU-12s in Baqubah. The mission was reported as a success by the JTAC.

A show of force was conducted by an F-16 to deter enemy activities in Baqubah. The show of force was accessed as successful by the JTAC.

In total, Coalition aircraft flew 65 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-three Air Force, Navy, and Royal Australian Air Force Surveillance and Reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, six 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 112 airlift sorties were flown; 362 tons of cargos were delivered, and 3,321 passengers were transported.

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

On Jan. 7, U.S. Air Force and Royal Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 35 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.3 million pounds of fuel to 176 receiving aircraft.