CENTAF releases airpower summary for Dec. 31

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Dec. 31.

In Afghanistan Dec. 30, Air Force B-1B Lancers and A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Lashkar Gah. The B-1Bs expended guided bomb unit-31s on enemy positions.

In total, 43 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan 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. U.S. Navy fighter aircraft performed in non-traditional ISR roles with their electro-optical and infrared sensors.

In Iraq, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons conducted a strike against anti-Iraqi forces near Baghdad. The F-16s expended GBU-12s on enemy targets.

Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles and F-16s and Royal Air Force GR-4 Tornados provided close-air support to troops in contact with anti-Iraqi forces in the vicinity of Baghdad; Air Force F-16s also provided close-air support to troops in contact with anti-Iraqi forces in the vicinity of Basrah.

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, 15 Air Force, Navy, RAF and Royal Australian Air Force 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. More than 130 airlift sorties were flown; nearly 360 tons of cargo was delivered, and nearly 2,640 passengers were transported. This included about 2,500 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in eastern Afghanistan.

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

On Dec. 29, Air Force, RAF and French tankers flew 33 sorties and off-loaded more than 2.3 million pounds of fuel.