Dec. 11 airpower summary: C-17s are force multiplier

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 11, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles engaged enemy firing positions in Asadabad with guided bomb unit-38s. A show of force with flares also was performed to deter enemy activities in the area. The missions were reported as successful by the on-scene joint terminal attack controller.

An Air Force B-1B Lancer targeted a compound near Sangin containing enemy combatants and a weapons cache with a GBU-38. During the same mission, enemy combatants and a mortar position were struck with a GBU-31. The JTAC reported the mission was successful.

In the same area, an F-15E performed a show of force to deter enemy activities. The mission was declared a success by the JTAC.

Enemy firing positions and compounds in Deh Rawod were engaged by a B-1B with GBU-31s and GBU-38s. The enemy combatants were engaging friendly forces with small-arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades. The JTAC reported the mission was a success.

Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs engaged enemy combatants in Asadabad with cannon rounds and GBU-38s. During the same mission, an Air Force MQ-1B Predator fired a Hellfire missile against enemy combatants who were engaging friendly forces in the area. The mission was reported successful by the JTAC.

An A-10 performed a show of force to deter enemy activities in Gardez. The mission was reported as a success by the JTAC.

In total, 42 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Eight Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan.

In Iraq, an Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon destroyed a house-bourne improvised explosive device northeast of Baqubah with GBU-38s. The strike was declared successful by the JTAC.

An F-16 dropped GBU-38s on enemy combatants in Baqubah. The enemy combatants were engaging coalition forces in the area. The mission was declared successful by the JTAC.

Enemy structures northeast of Baqubah were destroyed by GBU-12s and GBU-38s during a strike conducted by F-16s. The JTAC confirmed the buildings were destroyed.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 60 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 ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, five Air Force and Navy aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

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

Approximately 125 airlift sorties were flown, 396 tons of cargos were delivered and 2,912 passengers were transported. The airlift included approximately 48,000 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Dec. 10, Air Force, French and Royal Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 42 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.9 million pounds of fuel to 256 receiving aircraft.