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Airpower Summary for December 12

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

In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs engaged enemy positions by dropping Guided Bomb Unit-38s, a GBU-12, and firing cannon rounds in Garmsir. Coalition forces were engaging enemy combatants who were in trenches, compounds, and tunnels. The Joint Terminal Attack Controller assessed the mission as successful.

A-10 pilots demonstrated their presence over Coalition positions by firing flares during shows of force conducted in Orgune. The mission was a success.

An Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle successfully performed a show of force to deter enemy activities in Musa Qala.

An A-10 showed continued presence over Coalition positions through a show of force north of Kandahar. The pilot also conducted a show of force over a suspected enemy compound located in Sangin. The missions were deemed successful.

In total, 34 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 performed a show of force to deter enemy action in Bayji. Friendly troops were conducting a patrol in the area. The mission was reported successful by the JTAC.

In total, Coalition aircraft flew 62 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-four Air Force and Navy Surveillance and Reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, seven Air Force, 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 144 airlift sorties were flown; 394 tons of cargos were delivered, and 3,913 passengers were transported. This included approximately 81,800 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Dec. 11, U.S. Air Force, French, and Royal Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 37 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.8 million pounds of fuel to 216 receiving aircraft.