CENTAF releases airpower summary for Dec. 18

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Dec. 18.

In Afghanistan Dec. 17, 51 close-air support missions were flown in support of International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, and Afghan troops, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

In Iraq, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons provided close-air support to troops in contact with anti-Iraqi forces near Hawijah.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 30 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, Navy and Royal Air Force ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq .

On Dec. 17, Air Force rescue and medical crews on HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopters flew a medical evacuation mission in support of OEF. One Afghan national army soldier with injuries requiring urgent care was evacuated as a result of this mission.

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. About 140 airlift sorties were flown; approximately 380 tons of cargo was delivered, and more than 2,200 passengers were transported. This included more than 12,000 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in eastern Afghanistan.

Coalition C-130 crews from Australia flew in support of OIF or OEF.

On Dec.16, Air Force, RAF and French air force tankers flew 33 sorties and off-loaded nearly 2.4 million pounds of fuel.