69 Close-Support Missions Flown Tuesday
Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in
Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan
during operations November 25, according to Combined Air and Space
Operations Center officials in Southwest Asia.
In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs fired cannon
rounds onto anti-Afghan forces who were firing rocket-propelled
grenades at coalition forces from multiple directions in the
vicinity of Nangalam. The missions were confirmed a success by an
on-scene joint terminal attack controllers.
In the vicinity of Mata Khan, an Air Force MQ-1B Predator used a
Hellfire missile against anti-coalition members who were emplacing
improvised explosive devices on the side of a known travel route. A
JTAC declared the mission successful.
Navy F/A-18E Super Hornets conducted shows of force to deter
enemy activities in the vicinity of Shkin and Shurakian. The
missions were reported a success by the JTACs.
In the vicinity of Musa Qaleh, a coalition aircraft performed a
show of force and provided armed aerial overwatch to deter
anti-Afghan forces from firing at coalition ground forces who were
conducting IED search operations. A JTAC confirmed the mission
successful.
An Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle conducted a show of force to
deter enemy fighters and provide armed aerial overwatch for
coalition mounted patrol in the vicinity of Ghazni. The missions
were declared a success by the JTACs
In total, 69 close-air-support missions were flown in support of
the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and
route patrols.
Sixteen Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance
aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan.
Additionally, four Navy and coalition aircraft performed tactical
reconnaissance.
In Iraq, coalition aircraft flew 51 close-air-support missions
for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions integrated and
synchronized with coalition ground forces, protected key
infrastructure, provided overwatch for reconstruction activities
and helped to deter and disrupt hostile activities.
Thirty Air Force, Navy and coalition ISR aircraft flew missions
as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, three Air Force and
coalition aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.
Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft 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, more than 450 tons
of cargo were delivered and nearly 3,600 passengers were
transported.
Coalition C-130 crews flew as part of operations in Afghanistan
or Iraq.
On November 24, Air Force and coalition tanker crews flew 48
sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.3 million pounds of fuel to
286 receiving aircraft.