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.