CENTAF releases airpower summary for Dec. 26

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Dec. 26.

In Afghanistan Dec. 25, 11 close-air support missions were flown in support of International Security Assistance Force and Afghan troops, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

In Iraq, Marine Corps F/A-18Ds conducted a strike against anti-Iraqi forces near Haqlaniyah. The aircraft expended guided bomb unit-12s, a GBU-38 and cannon rounds on enemy targets.

Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons and F-15E Strike Eagles provided close-air support to troops in contact with anti-Iraqi forces near Baghdad.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 28 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, 17 Air Force, Royal Air Force 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. They flew approximately 130 airlift sorties, delivered almost 390 tons of cargo and transported more than 1,250 passengers.

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

On Dec. 24, Air Force and Royal Air Force tankers flew 28 sorties and off-loaded more than 1.8 million pounds of fuel.