Dec. 26 airpower summary: KC-135s keep them flying

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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. 26, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle conducted a show of force with flares to deter enemy activities in Deh' Rawod. An on-scene joint terminal attack controller reported the mission as successful.

An Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II performed shows of force to deter enemy activities in Asadabad. A JTAC deemed the mission a success.

Enemy activities were deterred by an A-10 through a show of force northeast of Orgune. The mission was declared successful by a JTAC.

In total, 40 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 Royal Air Force aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, an Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon performed a show of force to suppress enemy activities in Baqubah. The mission was declared successful by a JTAC.

An F-16 dropped a guided bomb unit-38 on a structure housing enemy combatants in Baqubah. Enemy personnel were observed going inside the building during an engagement with coalition forces. The bomb destroyed the intended target according to a JTAC.

An F-16 successfully conducted a show of force by firing flares to suppress enemy fire west of Mosul. A JTAC declared the mission achieved the desired effect.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 50 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-five Air Force, Navy and RAF surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, two 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 141 airlift sorties were flown, 399 tons of cargos were delivered, and 2,526 passengers were transported.

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

On Dec. 25, Air Force and RAF tanker crews flew 34 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.1 million pounds of fuel to 195 receiving aircraft.