4/6/2006 - SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) -- U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released today's airpower summary report.
In Iraq on April 5, U.S. Navy F/A-18 Hornets provided close-air support to coalition troops who identified insurgents emplacing an improvised explosive device in the vicinity of Al Miqdadiyah. The F/A-18s successfully struck the position with cannon rounds, preventing the intended attack on coalition forces and local citizens.
United States Air Force F-15 Eagles, F-16 Fighting Falcons and U.S. Navy F/A-18s provided close-air support to coalition troops in contact with anti-Iraqi forces in the vicinities of Al Habbaniyah, Al Hawijah, Tall Afar and Ramadi.
Coalition aircraft flew a total of 56 close air support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions included support to Coalition troops, infrastructure protection, reconstruction activities, and operations to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.
In addition, 12 U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy and Royal Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance aircraft flew missions supporting operations in Iraq. U.S. Navy fighter aircraft also performed in a nontraditional ISR role with their electro-optical and infrared sensors.
In Afghanistan, coalition aircraft flew 25 close-air support missions supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. These missions included support to coalition and Afghan troops, reconstruction activities and route patrols.
A U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress provided close-air support to coalition troops in contact with enemy forces in the vicinity of Deh Rawood. The B-52 dropped GBU-31 precision-guided JDAMs against enemy targets with successful effects.
United States Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and Royal Air Force GR-7 Harriers provided close-air support to coalition troops in contact with enemy forces in the vicinity of Gereshk and Orgun-E.
Five U.S. Air Force ISR aircraft flew missions supporting operations in Afghanistan.
United States Air Force C-130 Hercules and C-17 Globemaster III aircraft provided intratheater heavy airlift support, helping sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa. About 180 airlift sorties were flown, almost 335 tons of cargo were delivered, and close to 2,660 passengers were transported. This included 6,600 pounds of humanitarian aid airdropped in central Afghanistan.
Coalition C-130 crews from Australia, Canada, Japan and South Korea flew in support of either OIF or OEF.
On April 4 U.S. Air Force tankers flew 31 sorties and unloaded almost 2.1 million pounds of fuel.
