CENTAF releases airpower summary for Jan. 4

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Jan. 4.

In Afghanistan Jan. 3, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and an Air Force B-1 Lancer provided close-air support for ISAF troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Khowst. The B-1 expended guided bomb unit-31s on enemy positions.

Air Force A-10s and an Air Force B-1 provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Musah Qal'eh.

In total, 49 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan troops, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Additionally, 11 Air Force and Royal Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance 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 in the vicinity of Hawijah, Qurnah and Baghdad.

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

Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornets conducted a strike against anti-Iraqi forces in the vicinity of Ramadi. The F/A-18s expended GBU-31s on enemy positions.

RAF GR-4 Tornados provided close-air support to troops in contact with anti-Iraqi forces in the vicinity of Balad.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 34 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, 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. More than 140 airlift sorties were flown; more than 400 tons of cargo was delivered, and nearly 2,600 passengers were transported. This included more than 20,000 pounds of troop supplies air-dropped in eastern Afghanistan.

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

On Jan. 2, Air Force and RAF tankers flew 36 sorties and off-loaded almost 2.5 million pounds of fuel. Air Force tankers continue to play the vital role of re-supplying and extending the time on target for U.S. and coalition air forces in both Iraq and Afghanistan. The tanker fleet continues to fly daily missions; ensuring combat operations are maintained throughout the theater of operations, despite intensive maintenance demands on these older aircraft.