CENTAF releases airpower summary for Jan. 22

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNEWS) --  U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Jan. 22.

In Afghanistan Jan. 21, 23 close-air-support missions were flown in support of Afghan and International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Additionally, nine Air Force and Royal 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 Baghdad .

Air Force A-10s provided close-air support to troops in contact with anti-Iraqi forces near Balad.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 27 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.

Additionally, 12 Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq.

Air Force fighter aircraft performed in a non-traditional ISR role with electro-optical and infrared sensors.

The combined force air component commander is committed to fulfill his "contract with the war fighter," concentrating on the three themes of Airmen supporting Airmen, Airmen supporting ground forces and Airmen supporting coalition partners. This support is provided through close-air support; armed reconnaissance; intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; and airlift.

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. More than 140 airlift sorties were flown; more than 280 tons of cargo was delivered, and nearly 3,895 passengers were transported.

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

On Jan. 20, Air Force, RAF and French tankers flew 27 sorties and off-loaded almost 1.9 million pounds of fuel.