The Battle Continues...

Coalition aircraft flew 50 close-air-support missions January 18 for Operation Iraqi Freedom. They included support to coalition troops, infrastructure protection, reconstruction activities and operations to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Navy F-14 Tomcats and F/A-18 Hornets provided close air support to coalition troops in contact with anti-Iraqi forces near Baghdad and Ramadi.

In addition, 17 Air Force and Navy intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, or ISR, aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Also, Air Force and Royal Air Force fighter aircraft flew in a non-traditional ISR role with their electro-optical and infrared sensors.

In Afghanistan, coalition aircraft flew 21 close-air-support missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. They included support to coalition and Afghan troops, reconstruction activities and presence route patrols.

An Air Force B-52 Stratofortress, RQ-1 Predator, and A-10 Thunderbolt IIs provided close air support to coalition forces in contact with enemy troops near Orgun-E.

In addition, five Air Force ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan. Also, RAF fighter aircraft flew in a non-traditional ISR role.

Air Force C-130 Hercules and C-17 Globemaster IIs provided intratheater heavy airlift support, helping sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa. They flew 145 airlift sorties, delivered more than 200 tons of cargo, and transported 3,000 passengers. This included approximately 11,000 pounds of humanitarian aid air-dropped in Eastern Afghanistan.

Coalition C-130 crews from Canada, France and South Korea flew in support of either Operation Iraqi Freedom, or Operation Enduring Freedom.

On January 17, Air Force and RAF tankers flew 34 sorties and off-loaded more than 3.4 million pounds of fuel.

FMI: www.defenselink.mil