CENTAF releases its airpower summary Published Dec. 12, 2005 SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) -- U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials released today's airpower summary.Coalition aircraft flew 53 close-air support missions Dec. 11 for Operation Iraqi Freedom. They included support to coalition troops, infrastructure protection, reconstruction activities and operations to deter and disrupt terrorist activities. Coalition aircraft also supported Iraqi and coalition ground forces operations focused on creating a secure environment for upcoming December parliamentary elections. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons provided close-air support to coalition troops in contact with anti-Iraqi forces near Balad. In addition, 11 Air Force and Navy intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Also, Royal Air Force fighter aircraft performed in a non-traditional ISR role with their electro-optical and infrared sensors. In Afghanistan, coalition aircraft flew 20 close-air support missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. They included support to coalition and Afghan troops, reconstruction activities and the conduct of presence route patrols. An Air Force B-52 Stratofortress provided close-air support to coalition forces in contact with enemy troops near Deh Rawood. The B-52 successfully dropped a precision-guided munition against the insurgents. In addition, four Air Force ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan. Also, RAF fighter aircraft performed in a non-traditional ISR role. 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 190 airlift sorties, delivered 305 tons of cargo and transported 2,600 passengers. Coalition C-130 crews from Australia, Canada, Japan and South Korea flew in support of either OIF or OEF. On Dec. 10, Air Force and RAF tankers flew 35 sorties and off-loaded nearly 2.5 million pounds of fuel.