An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Airpower Summary for December 18

  • 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 Dec. 18, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle performed a show of force to deter enemy activities in Asadabad. The aircrew also engaged enemy positions in the area by firing Guided Bomb Unit-38s and GBU-31s. Coalition forces encountered hostile contact from enemy combatants. The Joint Terminal Attack Controller confirmed the missions were successful.

Enemy positions were struck by a GBU-38 and cannon rounds fired from Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs in Gereshk. The JTAC reported the munitions impacted the intended targets.

French Mirage 2000s conducted shows of force to suppress enemy activities in Gereshk. Additionally, the Mirages dropped GBU-12s on enemy positions in the area. The missions were deemed successful.

An F-15E successfully performed a show of force by firing flares to deter enemy activities in Gereshk.

An Air Force B1-B Lancer dropped GBU-38s and GBU-31s on enemy firing positions in Gereshk and Asadabad. The JTAC declared the mission as successful.

In Kunduz, an F-15E successfully deterred enemy activities through shows of force.

Royal Air Force Harrier GR-9s conducted shows of force to deter enemy activities in Kajaki Dam. The missions were assessed as successful.

An F-15E provided a show of force through continued presence over a Coalition convoy moving through Asmar. The JTAC reported the mission as successful.

In total, 34 close air support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

In Iraq, a Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet demonstrated a show of force through continued presence over a Coalition convoy moving through Babil. The JTAC declared the mission successful.

In total, Coalition aircraft flew 61 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-five Air Force and Navy Surveillance and Reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, four 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 142 airlift sorties were flown; 493 tons of cargos were delivered, and 3,350 passengers were transported. This included approximately 125,400 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Dec. 17, 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 217 receiving aircraft.