Dec. 25 airpower summary: A-10s support war effort

  • Published
SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 25, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle performed a show of force with flares to deter enemy activities in Gereshk. The mission was reported as successful by an on-scene joint terminal attack controller.

F-15Es performed multiple shows of force in Kandahar and a show of force in Kajaki Dam. The shows of force, including the use of flares, were performed to deter enemy actions. All of the missions were reported as a success by a JTAC.

Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs conducted shows of force with flares to deter enemy activities in Orgune. The shows of force were reported as successful by a JTAC.

In Khowst and Kajaki Dam, multiple shows of force were performed by F-15Es to deter enemy activities in the area. JTACs reported the missions achieved the desired effects.

In total, 39 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Six 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, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons dropped guided bomb unit-38s on an enemy compound in Mosul. Coalition forces encountered hostile fire from enemy combatants within the compound. The strike destroyed the intended target, according to a JTAC.

An F-16 targeted an enemy position with GBU-38s northeast of Baqubah. Friendly forces were engaged with enemy combatants in the area. A JTAC declared the strike successful.

Enemy fire was suppressed by an F-16 show of force in Baghdad. A JTAC reported the mission successful.

An RAF GR-4 Tornado deterred enemy activities and showed continued presence over coalition positions by performing shows of force in Um Qasr. The mission was deemed a success by a JTAC.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 47 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions supported coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided overwatch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Twenty Air Force and Navy 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 140 airlift sorties were flown, 610 tons of cargos were delivered, and 2,626 passengers were transported.

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

On Dec. 24, Air Force, French and RAF tanker crews flew 40 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.7 million pounds of fuel to 227 receiving aircraft.