CENTAF releases airpower summary for Jan. 25

  • Published
SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNEWS) --  U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Jan. 25.

In Afghanistan Jan. 24, an Air Force B-1B Lancer provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with enemy forces near Musa Qal'eh. The B-1B expended guided bomb unit-38s and a GBU-31 on enemy positions.

A B-1B and Royal Air Force GR-7 Harriers provided close-air support to ISAF troops in contact with enemy forces near Qurya. The B-1B expended GBU-38s on enemy positions. The GR-7s expended 1000-pound bombs and enhanced Paveway II munitions on enemy positions.

In total, 27 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan troops, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Additionally, four Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, or ISR, aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan .

In Iraq, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons and A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided close-air support to troops in contact with anti-Iraqi forces near Al Mahmudiyah.

Air Force F-16s also provided close-air support to troops in contact with anti-Iraqi forces near Kirkuk , Baghdad and Balad.

Air Force F-16s, A-10s and RAF GR-4 Tornados provided close-air support to troops in contact with anti-Iraqi forces near Baghdad .

In total, coalition aircraft flew 42 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions included support to coalition troops, infrastructure protection, reconstruction activities and operations to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

The U.S. military's focus is to ensure a peaceful and democratic Iraq . For those who want to create havoc, plant improvised explosive devices and kill innocent civilians, they need to keep in mind that they have choices. They can lay down their arms, help build their country and bring peace, or they can continue their destructive ways. If they choose the latter, they will pay the consequences.

Additionally, 13 Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq .

Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intra-theater heavy airlift support, helping sustain operations throughout Afghanistan , Iraq and the Horn of Africa. Approximately 135 airlift sorties were flown; nearly 275 tons of cargo was delivered, and more than 4,700 passengers were transported.

Coalition C-130 crews from Australia , Canada and Japan flew in support of OIF or OEF.

On Jan. 23, Air Force, RAF and French tankers flew 28 sorties and off-loaded more than 1.6 million pounds of fuel.