Dec. 20 airpower summary: C-17 'masters' heavy airlift 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. 20, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-38s on enemy firing positions in the area of Garmsir. Coalition forces were engaged by enemy combatants. The on-scene joint terminal attack controller reported the strike was successful.

Enemy combatants in Asadabad were struck by GBU-38s and GBU-31s dropped by a B-1B. The strike was declared successful by the JTAC.

A Royal Air Force GR-9 Harrier successfully conducted shows of force in Musa Qala to deter enemy activities.

Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles deterred enemy activities through shows of force performed southwest of Kandahar. The mission was deemed a success.

In total, 35 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Eight 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 F-16 Fighting Falcon dropped a GBU-12 on enemy personnel in Baqubah. The enemy combatants were observed placing improvised explosive devices. The JTAC confirmed the strike was successful.

A Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet successfully performed a show of force to suppress enemy fire in Basrah. The mission achieved the desired effect as enemy fire ceased.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 60 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-three Air Force and Navy intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, four Navy and RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

Air Force C-130s 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 120 airlift sorties were flown, 460 tons of cargo were delivered and 3,050 passengers were transported. This included approximately 12,000 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Dec. 19, Air Force, French and RAF tanker crews flew 40 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.3 million pounds of fuel to 165 receiving aircraft.