Nov. 20 airpower summary: Aircrew help airdrop, resupply

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

In Afghanistan, an Air Force MQ-1B Predator targeted an enemy mortar team with a hellfire missile in Asadabad. The mission was assessed as successful by the on-scene joint terminal attack controller.

Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles conducted a strike using guided bomb unit-12s, GBU-38s, and a GBU-31 against an enemy structure, a bunker, and a tunnel in Garmsir. These locations were used by the enemy to store weapons caches. The JTAC confirmed the destruction of the intended targets and assessed the mission as successful.

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

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

In Iraq, an enemy vehicle was struck with a hellfire missile from an Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon in Baghdad. The mission was deemed as a success by the JTAC.

In Baghdad, materials were destroyed by F-16s using GBU-38s and GBU-12s to deny enemy access. The JTAC confirmed the mission as successful.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 46 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-six Air Force and Navy surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, three Air Force and Royal Air Force aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

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

Approximately 159 airlift sorties were flown; 666 tons of cargos were delivered, and 4,101 passengers were transported. This included approximately 30,000 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Nov. 19, Air Force, French and RAF aerial refueling crews flew 38 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.4 million pounds of fuel to 192 receiving aircraft.