Dec. 24 airpower summary

  • Published
Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 24 according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

Air Operations in Afghanistan:

Asadabad
Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons provided armed overwatch and surveillance for a friendly forces convoy. Convoy leaders reported taking enemy small-arms fire and requested air power assistance. A show of force was performed and declared successful when the enemy fire stopped.

Shurikian
Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. The friendly forces reported unusual activities as unidentified personnel were seen gathering in the open. They requested a show of force. The show of force was performed to ensure no enemy action took place around the convoy. The show of force was considered successful when no enemy action was noted and the personnel dispersed.

Air Operations in Iraq:

Mosul
Air Force F-16s provided armed overwatch for friendly forces and a check point. Shows of force were performed to ensure no enemy action took place around the friendly forces. The shows of force were considered successful when no enemy action was noted.


Air Power Statistics:

Air Mobility:
U.S. Air Force airlift sorties: 171
Short tons of delivered cargo: 821
Passengers: nearly 2,700
Airdropped cargo: no drops to report

Close-Air Support:
Sorties flown to support ISAF and Afghan security forces: 79
Sorties flown to support Operation Iraqi Freedom: 18

Surveillance and Reconnaissance:
Sorties flown in Afghanistan: 31
Sorties flown in Iraq: 25
Tactical reconnaissance sorties flown in Afghanistan: 2 (NAVY)
Tactical reconnaissance sorties flown in Iraq: 2 (USAF)

Medical Evacuation:
On Dec. 23, Air Force HH-60 Pave Hawk aircrews and pararescue Airmen transported 14 patients.

Aerial Refueling:
Sorties flown: 46
Fuel delivered: nearly 2.9 million pounds
Aircraft refueled: 231