CENTAF releases airpower summary for Dec. 21

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Dec. 21.

In Afghanistan Dec. 20, an Air Force B-1B Lancer provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Orgun-e. The B-1B expended guided bomb unit-38s and a GBU-31 on enemy positions.

An Air Force B-1B and Royal Air Force GR-7 Harriers provided close-air support for ISAF troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Now Zad. The GR-7s expended enhanced Paveway II munitions on enemy targets.

In total, 31 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan troops, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

In Iraq, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons and Navy F/A-18 Hornets provided close-air support to troops in contact with anti-Iraqi forces in the vicinity of Basrah.

Air Force F-16s provided close-air support to troops in contact with anti-Iraqi forces in the vicinity of Baghdad.

Navy F/A-18s provided close-air support to troops in contact with anti-Iraqi forces near Al Musayyib.

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. Navy 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 110 airlift sorties were flown; more than 600 tons of cargo was delivered, and some 2,380 passengers were transported. This included about 12,000 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in eastern Afghanistan.

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

On Dec. 19, Air Force, RAF and French tankers flew 36 sorties and off-loaded more than 2.3 million pounds of fuel.