CENTAF releases airpower summary for Jan. 2

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  United States Central Command Air Forces and coalition partners continue to support NATO and the International Security Assistance Force and the government of Afghanistan to achieve a secure and stable country.

Over the course of the new year, airpower will be a key asset for ISAF's goals of establishing Afghan Development Zones, providing freedom of movement along Highway 1 and targeting key Taliban safe havens and leadership.

In Afghanistan Jan. 1, an Air Force MQ-1 Predator unmanned aerial vehicle conducted a strike against Taliban extremists near Kandahar. The Predator expended a Hellfire missile on the enemy target.

An Air Force B-1 Lancer provided close-air support for ISAF troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Now Zad.

Navy F/A-18s and Royal Air Force Harrier GR-7s provided close-air support to ISAF troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Musah Qal'eh.

RAF GR-7s provided close-air support to ISAF troops in contact with enemy forces near Lashkar Gah. The GR-7s expended an Enhanced Paveway II munition and rockets on enemy positions.

In total, 47 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan troops, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Additionally, eight 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 and F-16 Fighting Falcons provided close-air support to troops in contact with anti-Iraqi forces near Baghdad.

Marine Corps F/A-18s conducted a strike against anti-Iraqi forces near Ramadi. The F/A-18s expended guided bomb unit-31s on enemy targets.

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 fighter aircraft performed in non-traditional ISR roles with their electro-optical and infrared sensors.

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 140 airlift sorties, delivered 220 tons of cargo and transported 2,080 passengers. This included about 7,800 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in eastern Afghanistan.

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

On Dec. 31, U.S., RAF and French air force tankers flew 33 sorties and off-loaded almost 2.2 million pounds of fuel.