104 Close-Air-Support Missions Flown Over Afghanistan, Iraq

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations January 25, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials in Southwest Asia.

In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles eliminated enemy combatants using guided bomb unit-38s near Bari Kowt. The on-scene joint terminal attack controller declared the missions were successful.

In Garmsir, a French Mirage-2000 eliminated enemy combatants using a GBU-12. The success of the mission was confirmed by the JTAC. In Sangin and Musah Qal'eh, a M2K/F1 and an F-15 performed shows of force in order to deter enemy activities. The JTAC reported that the missions were successful.

In order to deter enemy activities in Uruzgan, an F-15 performed a show of force. The JTAC declared that the mission was successful. A show of force was performed in Bermal by an F-15 in order to deter enemy activities. The JTAC confirmed that the mission was successful.

In total, 46 close-air-support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Seven Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, two Royal Air Force aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, coalition aircraft flew 58 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions integrated and synchronized Coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided over watch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Twenty-three Air Force and Navy intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, eight Navy and RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

US Air Force C-130 Hercules and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intra-theater heavy airlift, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 140 airlift sorties were flown, 203 tons of cargo were delivered, and 3,642 passengers were transported. This included approximately 58,600 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

Coalition C-130 crews from Australia, Canada, Iraq and Japan flew as part of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.

On January 24, US Air Force and RAF aerial refueling crews flew 42 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.9 million pounds of fuel to 231 receiving aircraft.

FMI: www.af.mil