CENTAF releases airpower summary for Dec. 16

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Dec. 16.

In Afghanistan Dec. 15, an Air Force B-1 Lancer and A-10 Thunderbolt II along with Royal Air Force Harrier GR-7s provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Now Zad. The B-1 expended Guided Bomb Unit-31s and GBU-38s on enemy positions. The A-10s expended cannon rounds.

An Air Force B-1 provided close-air support to ISAF troops in contact with enemy forces near Now Zad.

In total, 32 close-air support missions were flown in support of ISAF 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 AV-8Bs conducted a strike against anti-Iraqi forces near Al Taqqadum. The AV-8Bs expended a Maverick missile and cannon rounds on enemy positions.

An Air Force MQ-1 Predator unmanned aerial vehicle conducted a strike against anti-Iraqi forces near Hit. The Predator expended Hellfire missiles on enemy positions.

Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons provided close-air support to troops in contact with enemy forces near Baghdad and Al Kut.

Navy F/A-18s provided close air support to troops in contact with enemy forces near Baghdad.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 42 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, 12 Air Force, U.S. Navy and Royal Air Force ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. United States Navy fighter aircraft performed in non-traditional ISR roles with their electro-optical and infrared sensors.

Air Force C-130 Hurcules and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intra-theater heavy airlift support, helping sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa. More than 120 airlift sorties were flown; about 275 tons of cargo was delivered, and more than 2,085 passengers were transported.

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

On Dec.14, Air Force, Royal Air Force and French Air Force tankers flew 33 sorties and off-loaded almost 2.3 million pounds of fuel.