Airpower Summary for December 24

Published Dec. 26, 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. 24, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles performed shows of force with flares to deter enemy activities in Musa Qala. The Joint Terminal Attack Controller reported the mission successful.

An Air Force MQ-9A Reaper fired hellfire missiles on enemy mortar teams in Bagram. The missiles successfully struck the intended targets.

An Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II successfully conducted a show of force by firing flares to deter enemy activities in Deh' Rawod.

In total, 37 close air support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Seven 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, an Air Force B1-B Lancer dropped Guided Bomb Unit-31s against an Al Qaeda compound northeast of Baqubah. The bombs destroyed the target.

An Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon dropped a GBU-38 to destroy a House Bourne improvised explosive device located in Bayji. The JTAC confirmed the bomb destroyed the target.

Royal Air Force Tornado GR-4s showed their presence over Coalition positions in a show of force performed in Basrah. The mission was deemed a success.

In total, Coalition aircraft flew 48 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.

Nineteen 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 160 airlift sorties were flown; 452 tons of cargos were delivered, and 2,950 passengers were transported. This included approximately 25,310 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. 23, U.S. Air Force, French, and Royal Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 39 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.3 million pounds of fuel to 180 receiving aircraft.