CENTAF releases airpower summary for Jan. 5

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Jan. 5.

Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and a B-1 Lancer provided close-air support to International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with enemy forces near Orgun-E.

Air Force A-10s provided close-air support to ISAF troops in contact with enemy forces near Jalalabad.

In Afghanistan Jan. 4, Navy F/A-18 Hornets conducted a strike against Taliban extremists near Garmsir. The F/A-18s expended a Guided Bomb Unit-12 on enemy positions.

In total, 44 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan troops, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Additionally, nine Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, or ISR, aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan. Navy fighter aircraft performed in non-traditional ISR roles with their electro-optical and infrared sensors.

In Iraq , Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles provided close-air support to troops in contact with anti-Iraqi forces near Basrah.

Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons provided close-air support to troops in contact with anti-Iraqi forces near Hawijah.

Air Force F-15Es and F-16s provided close-air support to troops in contact with anti-Iraqi forces near Balad Ruz. The F-15Es expended GBU-39s and the F-16s expended GBU-12s on enemy positions.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 30 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.

CENTAF and coalition air operations will continue in support of the ultimate goal, which is to enable the Iraqis to defeat insurgents and strengthen Iraqi rule of law.

Additionally, 13 Air Force and Navy 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. Over 120 airlift sorties were flown; more than 470 tons of cargo was delivered, and approximately 1,885 passengers were transported. This included more than 21,600 pounds of troop supplies air-dropped in eastern Afghanistan.

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

On Jan. 3, Air Force, Royal Air Force and French air force tankers flew 36 sorties and off-loaded almost 2.4 million pounds of fuel.