CENTAF releases airpower summary Published Nov. 18, 2005 SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) -- U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released today’s the airpower summary report. Coalition aircraft flew 60 close-air support and armed reconnaissance sorties Nov. 17 for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These 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 to create a secure environment for ongoing Transitional National Assembly meetings. Navy F-14 Tomcats flew an air strike near Samarra, successfully firing their cannons against an insurgent’s vehicle. Navy F/A-18 Hornets provided close-air support to coalition troops in contact with anti-Iraqi forces near Ramadi. In addition, 14 Air Force and Navy intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Also, Royal Air Force fighter aircraft flew in a non-traditional ISR role with their electro-optical and infrared sensors. In Afghanistan, coalition aircraft flew 20 close-air support and armed reconnaissance sorties in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. These included support to coalition and Afghan troops, reconstruction activities and “conduct of presence” route patrols. In addition, four Air Force ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan. 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. The transport aircraft flew more than 145 airlift sorties, delivered about 275 tons of cargo and transported more than 2,600 passengers. This included approximately 36,000 pounds of troop re-supply airdropped into eastern Afghanistan. Also, Canadian and Japanese C-130s flew in support of either OIF or OEF. On Nov. 16, Air Force and RAF tankers flew 35 sorties and off-loaded nearly 2.4 million pounds of fuel.