CENTAF releases airpower summary for Jan. 13

  • Published
SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNEWS) --  U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Jan. 13.

In Afghanistan Jan. 12, an Air Force B-1B Lancer provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force troops in contact with enemy forces near Orgun-e. The B-1B expended guided bomb unit-31s on enemy positions.

The over-watch capability provided by the B-1B and other coalition aircraft is a huge force multiplier to the ground forces knowing that if they get in trouble we have the ability to provide immediate, measured and lethal support, said CENTAF officials.

In total, 25 close-air support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan troops, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Additionally, 12 Air Force and Royal Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, or ISR, aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan.

In Iraq, a total of 18 close-air support missions flew for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions included support to coalition troops, infrastructure protection, reconstruction activities and operations to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Additionally, 10 Air Force, Navy and Royal Air Force ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq.

Air Force C-130 Hercules and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intra-theater heavy airlift support, helping sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa. They flew more than 90 airlift sorties, delivered approximately 255 tons of cargo and transported more than 2,400 passengers. This included about 24,000 pounds of troop re-supply airdropped in eastern Afghanistan.

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

On Jan. 11, Air Force and Royal Air Force tankers flew 30 sorties and off-loaded almost 1.8 million pounds of fuel.