Coalition aircraft flew 50 close-air-support missions Jan. 1 for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions included support to coalition troops, infrastructure protection, reconstruction activities, and operations to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

U.S. Air Force F-15s performed a preplanned air strike near Rutbah, Iraq. The F-15s expended four precision-guided munitions with successful effects against an enemy weapons cache.

U.S. Air Force F-16s provided close-air support to coalition troops in contact with enemy fighters near Bayji. The F-16s expended two precision-guided munitions with successful effects against an insurgent's vehicle.

U.S. Navy F/A-18s provided close-air support to coalition troops in contact with anti-Iraqi forces near Miqdadiyah. The F/A-18s strafed the target with more than 650 cannon rounds and expended one Maverick missile with successful effects against enemy firing positions.

Other U.S. Air Force F-16s and U.S. Navy F/A-18s provided close-air support to coalition troops in contact with anti-Iraqi forces near Hawijah, Baghdad and Balad.

In addition, 14 U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. U.S. Air Force and British Royal Air Force fighter aircraft also performed in a non-traditional ISR role with their electro-optical and infrared sensors.

In Afghanistan, coalition aircraft flew five close-air-support missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. These missions included support to coalition and Afghan troops, reconstruction activities, and the conduct of presence route patrols.

In addition, three U.S. Air Force ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan. Also, Royal Air Force fighter aircraft performed in a non-traditional ISR role.

U.S. Air Force C-130s and C-17s provided intra-theater heavy airlift support, helping sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa. Approximately 180 airlift sorties were flown, about 315 tons of cargo were delivered, and nearly 3,800 passengers were transported.

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

On Dec. 31, U.S. Air Force and British Royal Air Force tankers flew 30 sorties and off-loaded more than 2.3 million pounds of fuel.

FMI: www.centaf.af.mil