Dec. 6 airpower summary: C-17s deliver airlift support

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 6, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer employed guided bomb unit-38s against enemy combatants south of Qalat. Coalition forces were engaging enemy personnel in hostile contact. The on-scene joint terminal attack controller reported a successful strike with good hits.

Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles provided shows of force in Sangin. The mission deterred enemy activities.

Multiple F-15E aircrafts supported coalition force engagements against enemy combatants in Sangin and Nowzad. The F-15Es dropped GBU-38s, GBU-12s, and cannon rounds against enemy compounds and fighting positions. The JTAC confirmed the strikes successful as the bombs achieved good weapons impact.

An F-15E performed a show of force with flares to deter enemy activities northeast of Tarin Kowt. The mission was declared by JTAC as successful.

A Royal Air Force GR-9 Harrier conducted a show of force to deter suspicious activities in Sangin. Friendly forces were conducting foot patrols in the area. The mission achieved the desired effect. 

Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs showed continued presence over coalition force positions in Sangin. The demonstration deterred enemy activities in the area. The missions were assessed as successful by the JTAC.

In total, 40 close-air-support missions were flown in support of 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.

Coalition aircraft flew 32 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.

Sixteen Air Force, Navy, and RAF intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, three Air Force and RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

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

Approximately 135 airlift sorties were flown; 560 tons of cargos were delivered, and 3,034 passengers were transported. This included approximately 6,000 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Dec. 5, Air Force, French, and RAF aerial refueling crews flew 42 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.6 million pounds of fuel to 214 receiving aircraft.