CENTAF releases airpower summary for Nov. 17

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Nov. 17.

In Afghanistan Nov. 16, 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 GR-7s expended rockets on enemy positions.

Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided close-air support to ISAF troops in contact with enemy forces near Kandahar.

Navy F/A-18Es provided close-air support to ISAF troops in contact with enemy forces near Lashkar Gah.

In total, 42 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan troops, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Additionally, six U.S. and Royal Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, or ISR, aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan. Navy fighter aircraft performed in non-traditional ISR roles with their electro-optical and infrared sensors.

In Iraq, 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. The F-16s and F-15Es expended cannon rounds on enemy positions.

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

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, 16 Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq.

On Nov. 15, Air Force rescue and medical crews on HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopters flew a medical evacuation mission in support of OEF. Three Afghan National Army soldiers with injuries requiring urgent care were 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. They flew 140 airlift sorties, delivered 430 tons of cargo and transported 3,480 passengers.

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

On Nov. 15, U.S., RAF, French and Singaporean Air Force tankers flew 35 sorties and off-loaded more than 2.3 million pounds of fuel.