Dec. 2 airpower summary: F-16s support ground troops

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

In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle dropped guided bomb unit-12s against a vehicle transporting enemy combatants near Musa Qal'eh. The on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed the strike was successful.

An Air Force MQ-1B Predator launched a hellfire missile against a vehicle carrying enemy personnel in Nowzad. The missile impacted on the intended target. The strike was assessed as successful.

A show of force with flares was performed by an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II to deter enemy activities in Musa Qal'eh. The mission supported a coalition convoy moving through the area. The mission was declared by JTAC as successful.

A Royal Air Force GR-9 Harrier destroyed an enemy vehicle during a strike southwest of Kandahar. An enhanced Paveway II munitions, rockets, and a 540-pound bomb was used to destroy the target. The vehicle was transporting weapons and enemy personnel. The strike was reported as successful.

A-10s conducted shows of force with flares to deter enemy activities in the Orgune area. The missions were deemed as successful by the JTAC.

Shows of force with flares were performed by F-15Es to deter enemy activities in Musa Qal'eh. The JTAC assessed the mission as successful.

In total, 39 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.

In Iraq, an Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon conducted a show of force with flares to suppress enemy fire in Salman Pak. Coalition forces were engaging enemy combatants in the area. The JTAC assessed the missions were successful as enemy fire ceased.

F-16s conducted shows of force to deter enemy activities in areas of Baqubah. The JTAC reported the missions as successful.

A show of force with flares was performed by an F-16 to suppress further enemy action over an intersection in Al Kut. The mission was declared by JTAC a success as enemy activities ceased.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 39 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.

Thirty Air Force, Navy, and RAF 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 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 133 airlift sorties were flown; 574 tons of cargos were delivered, and 2,420 passengers were transported.

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

On Dec. 1, Air Force, French, and RAF tankers flew 39 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.4 million pounds of fuel to 175 receiving aircraft.

060721-F-9032T-118.jpg [this photo is already in afpims as ours-attached]
An F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 332nd Expeditionary Fighter Squadron at Balad Air Base, Iraq, takes off on an Operation Iraqi Freedom mission Friday, July 21. The F-16 jet is deployed from the 183rd Fighter Wing at Springfield Air National Guard, Ill., and provides close-air support and "eyes in the skies" intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance for ground forces during combat operations. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Tony R. Tolley) (Released)