US Airpower Summary; Dec. 12, 2008: KC-10s Sustain Fighters

A KC-10 Extender supports air refueling missions over Afghanistan. Air Force and coalition tankers flew 43 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.3 million pounds of fuel to 254 receiving aircraft. The KC-10 is assigned to the 908th Expeditionary Aerial Refueling Squadron in Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Aaron Allmon.)

Dispatches from the Front:

SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNS) -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 11, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs dropped a guided bomb unit-38 and fired rockets and cannon rounds against anti-Afghan forces that were firing rocket- propelled grenades at a coalition ground forces convoy conducting operations in the vicinity of Nangalam. The mission was confirmed a success by an on-scene joint terminal attack controller.

In the vicinity of Musa Qaleh, a Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet fired cannon rounds against anti-coalition forces that were shooting at the aircraft. While under fire the aircraft conducted a weaving maneuver to avoid rounds and continued with the strafing run. A JTAC declared the mission successful.

Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles and Navy F/A-18F Super Hornets performed shows of force and provided armed aerial overwatch for a coalition ground forces convoy conducting search operations near Ghazni. The missions were reported a success by the JTACs.

In the vicinity of Soltani, an A-10 performed a show of force to deter enemy activities. A JTAC confirmed the mission successful.

An F-15E conducted a show of force to deter anti-Afghan activities and provide armed aerial overwatch for a coalition ground forces convoy conducting improvised explosive devise search operations in the vicinity of Khowst. The mission was reported a success by a JTAC.

In total, 69 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Fifteen 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, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons performed shows of force and provided armed aerial reconnaissance for a coalition ground forces patrol searching an area for an improvised explosive device emplacement team that was spotted digging on the side of the road in the vicinity of Baghdad. The JTACs confirmed the missions successful.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 43 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.

Twenty-seven Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, two 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 130 airlift sorties were flown, more than 350 tons of cargo were delivered and nearly 3,000 passengers were transported. This included approximately 44,000 pounds of troop resupply airdropped in Afghanistan.

Coalition C-130 crews flew as part of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.

On Dec. 10, Air Force and coalition tanker crews flew 43 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.3 million pounds of fuel to 254 receiving aircraft.

(Report from a U.S. Air Force news release.)

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