Dec. 29 airpower summary: A-10s provide close-air support

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 29, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs strafed and dropped a general purpose 500-pound bomb on enemy mortar positions in Asadabad. The strike was reported successful by an on-scene joint terminal attack controller as the munitions impacted the intended targets.

During the same mission, the A-10 also performed a show of force to deter enemy activities in Khowst. A JTAC declared the mission a success.

An Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle successfully conducted a show of force to deter enemy activities northwest of Tarin Kowt, according to a JTAC.

F-15Es dropped guided bomb unit-31s on enemy caves northwest of Tarin Kowt. A JTAC confirmed the bombs destroyed the intended targets.

An Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped GBU-38s and a GBU-31 on enemy caves located in Tarin Kowt. The bombs destroyed the targets and secondary explosions were also observed, according to a JTAC.

A B-1B dropped GBU-38s and GBU-31s on enemy combatants northwest of Asadabad. The strike was reported successful by a JTAC.

A-10s strafed enemy combatants with cannon rounds in Asadabad. A JTAC assessed the mission as successful. 

F-15Es performed shows of force with flares to deter enemy activities in Orgune. The mission was deemed successful by a JTAC.

Royal Air Force GR-9 Harriers conducted shows of force over suspected enemy positions in Sangin. The mission achieved the desired effect, according to a JTAC.

In total, 36 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Eight Air Force surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, two RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

Coalition aircraft flew 45 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, Navy and RAF surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, four Air Force and RAF 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 143 airlift sorties were flown, 711 tons of cargos were delivered, and 2,982 passengers were transported.

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

On Dec. 28, Air Force, French and RAF tanker crews flew 35 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.3 million pounds of fuel to 202 receiving aircraft.