CENTAF releases airpower summary for Dec. 8

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Dec. 8.

In Afghanistan Dec. 7, U.S. Navy F/A-18s provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Kandahar. The F/A-18s expended guided bomb unit-12s on enemy positions.

French Air Force M2000D Mirages provided close-air support to ISAF troops in contact with enemy forces near Kabul.

An Air Force B-1B Lancer provided close-air support to ISAF troops in contact with enemy forces near Musah Qal'eh.

Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided close-air support for ISAF troops in contact with Taliban extremists near Orgun-e.

In total, 44 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 Fallujah. The F-16s expended GBU-12s and GBU-38s on enemy targets.

An MQ-1 Predator conducted a strike against anti-Iraqi forces near Balad. The Predator expended a Hellfire missile on an enemy target.

Air Force F-16s provided close-air support to troops in contact with anti-Iraqi forces near Mudadiyah and Hawija.

Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles provided close-air support to troops in contact with anti-Iraqi forces near Diwaniyah.

Air Force F-15Es and F-16s provided close-air support to troops in contact with anti-Iraqi forces in the vicinity of Balad.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 32 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 and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq.

On Dec. 6, Air Force rescue and medical crews on HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopters flew a medical evacuation mission in support of OEF. One Afghan local national 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. Approximately 140 airlift sorties were flown; more than 470 tons of cargo was delivered, and some 2,990 passengers were transported.

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

On Dec. 6, Air Force, RAF and French tankers flew 36 sorties and off-loaded almost 2.2 million pounds of fuel.