Airpower Summary for January 3

Published Jan. 7, 2008
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. 3, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle engaged an enemy target with a Guided Bomb Unit-38 in Gereshk. The Joint Terminal Attack Controller confirmed that a anti-aircraft artillery gun in a bunker was destroyed.

Shows of force were performed by F-15Es to deter enemy activities in Shinkay and Orgune. The shows of force were reported as successful by the JTACs.

An Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II engaged enemy combatants with cannon rounds in Kandahar. The JTAC reported the mission a success.

A French Mirage-2000 performed a show of force to deter enemy activities in Gereshk. The JTAC confirmed that the show of force achieved the desired result.

In total, 40 close air support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Five 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, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons targeted an enemy structure with GBU-38s in Baqubah. The JTAC reported the structure was destroyed.

In the same area, an F-16 engaged enemy combatants with a GBU-38. The mission was reported a success by the JTAC.

A house borne improvised explosive device and enemy combatants were engaged by F-16s with GBU-38s in Baghdad. During the same mission, Navy F/A-18F Super Hornets engaged enemy combatants with GBU-38s. The JTAC reported the missions successful.

In the same area, F/A-18Fs targeted IED emplacers with GBU-38s. The mission was reported as successful.

A show of force was performed by an F-16 in Basrah. Another show of force was conducted by an F/A-18F in Umm Qasr. Shows of force are performed to deter enemy activities in a specific area. The missions were reported as successful.

In total, Coalition aircraft flew 63 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-one Air Force and Navy 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 136 airlift sorties were flown; 620 tons of cargos were delivered, and 2,978 passengers were transported. This included approximately 98,385 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Jan. 2, U.S. Air Force, French, and Royal Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 44 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.9 million pounds of fuel to 250 receiving aircraft.