US Airpower Summary; Dec. 16, 2008: F-16s Watch Over Ground Forces

An F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft returns to the fight after receiving fuel. The F-16 performs tactical shows of force and provides armed aerial overwatch for coalition forces over Iraq. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Andy Dunaway.)

Dispatches from the Front:

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Dec. 16, 2008 -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 15, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped a guided bomb unit-38 onto anti-coalition forces who were digging on the side of the road emplacing improvised explosive devices in the vicinity of Kandahar. The mission was confirmed a success by an on-scene joint terminal attack controller.

In the vicinity of Shurakian, Navy F/A-18E Super Hornets performed shows of force to deter enemy activities in the area. The JTACs declared the missions successful.

An Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle performed a show of force and provided armed aerial overwatch for a coalition convoy conducting operations in the vicinity of Sheykhabad. The mission was reported a success by a JTAC.

Near Qalat, a coalition aircraft conducted a show of force and provided armed aerial overwatch to deter anti-coalition members from attacking a bridge that was being repaired by coalition forces. A JTAC confirmed the mission successful.

An F/A-18E conducted aerial reconnaissance of an enemy compound to provide a coalition convoy the location of a high value target in the vicinity of Garmsir. The mission was reported a success by a JTAC.

In total, 61 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Four 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 tactical shows of force and provided armed aerial overwatch for a coalition forces team conducting a building raid in the vicinity of Baghdad. The JTACs confirmed the missions successful.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 45 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-three Air Force 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 130 airlift sorties were flown, more than 500 tons of cargo were delivered and nearly 3,600 passengers were transported. This included approximately 38,400 pounds of troop resupply airdropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Dec. 14, Air Force and coalition tanker crews flew 48 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.4 million pounds of fuel to 278 receiving aircraft.

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

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