Dec. 7 airpower summary: C-130s keep mission moving

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

In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles destroyed enemy compounds in Musa Qaleh with a guided bomb unit-31 and GBU-38s. An on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed the mission was a success.

Air Force F-15Es fired cannon rounds and dropped a GBU-31 on enemy combatants in Musa Qaleh. The enemy combatants were engaging coalition forces with small-arms fire. The JTAC reported the mission was a success.

During another mission in the area, F-15Es dropped GBU-38s on enemy structures and a GBU-31 on an enemy bunker. An Air Force MQ-1B Predator launched a Hellfire missle at an enemy target. The JTAC reported both missions were successful.

Royal Air Force Harrier GR-7s fired rockets and enhanced Paveway II munitions at enemy combatants in Deh Rawod. The enemy combatants in the area were engaging coalition forces with small-arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades. The missions were reported as successful.

An Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II provided a show of force with flares to deter enemy activities in Asadabad. The JTAC reported the mission was a success.

In Orgune, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped GBU-31s on enemy combatants. The mission was reported as a success by the JTAC.

An F-15E provided a show of force with flares to deter enemy activities in Bari Kowt. The JTAC reported the mission was a success.

In Sangin, French Mirage 2000s provided shows of force to deter enemy activities. These missions were reported as successful by the JTAC.

In total, 44 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

In Iraq, an Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon provided a show of force with flares to deter enemy activities against friendly forces in Muqdadiyah. The mission was reported as a success by the JTAC.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 48 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-nine Air Force, Navy, and Royal Australian Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, two RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

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

They flew approximately 150 airlift sorties. They delivered 478 tons of cargo and transported 4,368 passengers.

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

On Dec. 6, Air Force, French and RAF aerial refueling crews flew 42 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.3 million pounds of fuel to 166 receiving aircraft.