Nov. 25 airpower summary: F-16s provide overwatch

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Nov. 25, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II performed a show of force with flares in Oruzgan. The demonstration caused the enemy to cease fire.

French Mirage 2000s in Orgune struck enemy combatants with guided bomb unit-38s. The strike supported friendly troops engaged in hostile contact against the enemy. In addition, a show of force was conducted over a coalition convoy's position. An on-scene joint terminal attack controller declared the mission as successful.

Cannon rounds from A-10s were used to strafe enemy combatants in hostile action against coalition forces in Oruzgan. The mission was reported as a success by a JTAC.

An Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped GBU-31 munitions against enemy combatants in Nangalam. During the same mission, the aircrew dropped a GBU-31 and a GBU-38 against enemy combatants in Deh Rawod. A JTAC assessed the mission as successful.

Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles deterred enemy activities during shows of force demonstration in Ghazni and the southwest area of Kabul.

Shows of force with flares were conducted by F-15Es to deter enemy activities in Orgune. The mission was deemed as a success by a JTAC. 

A JTAC confirmed the destruction of enemy rocket positions in Khowst during a strike conducted by F-15Es using GBU-38s.

A show of force was performed by an A-10 to deter enemy activities in Sangin. The mission achieved the desired effect by a JTAC.

In total, 38 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Six Air Force surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan.

In Iraq, an Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon successfully destroyed a bridge used by al- Qaida in Baghdad with GBU-38s, said a JTAC.

An F-16 dropped a GBU-38 on a house rigged with an improvised explosive device in Salman Pak. The strike destroyed the intended target successfully, said a JTAC.

Shows of force with flares were conducted by F-16s to deter enemy activities on a checkpoint located northeast of Al Kut area. The mission was declared as successful by a JTAC.

An F-16 conducted a show of force over a town north of Samarra. The demonstration achieved the desired effect as enemy hostile activity was deterred, a JTAC said.

An F-16 achieved a successful show of force with flares to deter enemy activities on a coalition position west of Amarah, a JTAC said.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 46 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-four Air Force, Navy, and Royal Air Force 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; 514 tons of cargo were delivered, and 2,894 passengers were transported.

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

On Nov. 24, Air Force, French and RAF tankers flew 46 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.7 million pounds of fuel to 238 receiving aircraft.