CENTAF releases airpower summary

  • Published
U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released the airpower summary for June 8.

In Afghanistan June 7, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided close-air support to coalition forces taking small-arms fire near Tarin Kowt. The A-10s conducted strafing passes expending cannon rounds, successfully ending the engagement.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 24 close-air-support missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. These missions included support to coalition and Afghan troops, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

In Iraq, coalition aircraft flew 56 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.

Air Force F-15 Eagles, F-16 Fighting Falcons and an MQ-1 Predator unmanned aerial vehicle provided close-air support to coalition troops in contact with anti-Iraqi forces near Al Amarah, Al Hillah and Tikrit.

In addition, 16 Air Force, Navy, Royal Air Force and Royal Australian Air Force ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. United States Navy fighter aircraft performed in non-traditional ISR role 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. They flew 160 airlift sorties, delivered 430 tons of cargo and transported 3,200 passengers.

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

On June 7, Air Force and Royal Air Force tankers flew 39 sorties and off-loaded almost 2.4 million pounds of fuel.