Dec. 19 airpower summary: C-130s provide heavy airlift

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

In Afghanistan, an Air Force MQ-9 Reaper dropped a guided bomb unit-12 on enemy combatants east of Garmsir. Enemy personnel were observed in a known firing position in the area. The strike was reported as successful. 

In total, 26 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols. 

Six Air Force and Royal Air Force surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan. 

In Iraq, a U.S. Navy F/A-18 Hornet deterred enemy activities through a show of force conducted over a coalition position in Basrah. The mission was deemed successful by the on-scene joint terminal attack controller. 

In total, coalition aircraft flew 54 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 and Navy surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, five Air Force, Navy, and RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance. 

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

Approximately 126 airlift sorties were flown; 488 tons of cargos were delivered, and 3,101 passengers were transported. This included approximately 97,200 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan. 

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

On Dec. 18, Air Force, French, and RAF aerial refueling crews flew 41 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.6 million pounds of fuel to 209 receiving aircraft.