Dec. 21 airpower summary: F-16s deter enemy activities

  • Published
SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 21, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

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

French Mirage 2000s engaged a compound containing enemy combatants with a guided bomb unit-12 and cannon rounds in Tarin Kowt. The enemy combatants were engaging friendly forces in the area. During the same mission, A-10 Thunderbolt IIs targeted enemy combatants with a general purpose 500-pound bomb, cannon rounds, and a GBU-12. The JTAC reported the missions as successful.

In Qalat, F-15Es conducted air strikes against enemy positions with GBU-31s and GBU-38s. The mission was reported successful by the JTAC.

A show of force was performed in Musa Qala by an F-15E to deter enemy activities. The show of force achieved the desired result.

In total, 37 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the 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, an F-16 Fighting Falcon destroyed an enemy structure in Bayji with a GBU-38. The JTAC reported the mission successful.

A RAF GR-4 Tornado targeted a weapons cache in Baghdad with enhanced paveway II munitions. The mission was deemed a success.

A Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet conducted a show of force with flares to deter enemy actions against a friendly convoy moving through Tikrit. In the same area, an F-16 performed a show of force to deter enemy activities. Both missions were reported as successful by the JTAC.

In support of a friendly convoy, GR-4s conducted shows of force to deter enemy actions in Basrah. The mission achieved the desired result.

In Balad, an F-18F performed a show of force to deter enemy activities. The mission was reported a success.

An F-16 conducted a show of force in Mosul to deter enemy actions. The show of force was reported as successful by the JTAC.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 67 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 Royal Australian air force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, six Air Force, Navy and RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance. 

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

Approximately 137 airlift sorties were flown, 366 tons of cargo were delivered and 3,674 passengers were transported.

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

On Dec. 20, Air Force, French, and RAF tanker crews flew 41 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.6 million pounds of fuel to 209 receiving aircraft.