Dec. 13 airpower summary: KC-10s fuel OIF, OEF missions

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Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations Dec. 13, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force B1-B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-31s on enemy fighting positions in Asadabad. Coalition forces were engaging enemy combatants in the area. The joint terminal attack controller reported the strike was successful.

An Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II successfully performed a show of force to deter enemy activities north of Asmar.

An Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle conducted shows of force by firing flares to deter enemy activities in Orgune. The JTAC confirmed the mission was a success.

A French Mirage 2000 showed continued presence over friendly positions through a show of force northwest of Nowzad. The mission was deemed as successful.

In total, 36 close air support missions were flown in support of the International Security Assistance Force and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Fourteen Air Force and Royal Air Force Surveillance and Reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan.

In Iraq, an Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon dropped a GBU-38 on a house bourne improvised explosive device in Salman Pak. The JTAC declared the target was destroyed.

F-16 pilots conducted shows of force to deter enemy activities in Al Kut and Baqubah. Additionally, F-16s demonstrated shows of force to suppress enemy fire in Bayji and Baghdad. The missions were assessed as successful by the JTAC.

A Royal Air Force Tornado GR-4 successfully performed a show of force to deter enemy activities in Al Kut.

A Navy F-18F Super Hornet deterred enemy activities through a show of force conducted in Iskandariyah. The aircraft's presence supported a Coalition convoy moving through the area. The JTAC reported the mission successful.

In total, Coalition aircraft flew 64 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.

Thirty-two Air Force, Navy, and RAF Surveillance and Reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. 

Additionally, four Air Force, Navy, and RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

U.S. 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 121 airlift sorties were flown, 502 tons of cargos were delivered and 3,182 passengers were transported. This included approximately 42,150 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Dec. 12, U.S. Air Force and RAF aerial refueling crews flew 45 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.2 million pounds of fuel to 274 receiving aircraft.