Dec. 27 airpower summary: EC-130J impacts hearts, minds

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Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 27, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, a Royal Air Force GR-7 Harrier performed a show of force to deter further enemy action in Deh' Rawod. The mission was declared successful by an on-scene joint terminal attack controller.

A French Mirage 2000 and a Mirage F1-CR conducted shows of force to deter enemy activities in Deh' Rawod. The JTAC reported the missions were successful.

An Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle successfully deterred enemy activities through a show of force conducted northeast of Shinkay.

Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs dropped guided bomb unit-12s and GBU-38s on an enemy structure located in Deh' Rawod. The JTAC confirmed the strike destroyed the target.

A Mirage successfully deterred enemy activities through a show of force conducted in Sangin. In addition, an F1-CR performed a show of force. The missions were deemed a success.

In total, 42 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

In Iraq, an Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon dropped a GBU-12 on enemy combatants in Iskandariyah. Al Qaeda personnel were observed repositioning in the area. The bomb struck the intended targets.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 52 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-two Air Force, Navy and RAF ISR 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.

Some 131 airlift sorties were flown, 485 tons of cargo were delivered and 2,847 passengers were transported. Airlift included approximately 67,440 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Dec. 26, Air Force, French and RAF aerial refueling crews flew 39 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.4 million pounds of fuel to 198 receiving aircraft.