Jan. 1 airpower summary: A-10 Thunderbolt II delivers

  • Published
SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Jan. 1, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, a French Mirage 2000 engaged an enemy target in Now Zad with a guided bomb unit-12. The mission was reported as a success by the on-scene joint terminal attack controller.

An Air Force B-1B Lancer engaged enemy combatants in Nangalam with a GBU-31. The enemy combatants were engaging friendly forces with small-arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades. The mission was reported as successful by the JTAC.

An A-10 Thunderbolt II performed a show of force with flares to deter enemy activities in Asadabad. In the same area, an A-10 engaged enemy combatants with a GBU-12, and F-15E Strike Eagles targeted an enemy firing position with GBU-38s. The missions were reported as successful.

A show of force was conducted by a Mirage to deter enemy activities in Musa Qala. The mission was reported as a success by the JTAC. In the same area, a MQ-1B Predator engaged enemy combatants with a Hellfire missile. The JTAC reported the mission was a success.

Shows of force were performed by F-15Es to deter enemy activities in Gereshk, Konduz and Orgune. The shows of force were reported as successful

In total, 41 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Eight Air Force and Royal Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan.

In Iraq, a B-1B destroyed weapons caches in Baghdad with GBU-31s. The mission was reported successful by the JTAC.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 57 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-one Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, four Navy aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intra-theater heavy airlift support, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 140 airlift sorties were flown, 502 tons of cargo were delivered and 3,340 passengers were transported. Airlift included approximately 54,000 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Dec. 31, Air Force, French and RAF tanker crews flew 45 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.1 million pounds of fuel to 262 receiving aircraft.