US Airpower Summary; Dec. 19, 2008: F-16s Protect Coalition Forces

An F-16 Fighting Falcon, like this one, performs close-air support and precision-guided munitions delivery for coalition forces patrolling in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. John Nimmo Sr.)

Dispatches from the Front:

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Dec. 19, 2008 -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 18, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, a Navy F/A-18A Hornet conducted a show of force expending flares and provided armed aerial overwatch for the coalition forces patrol that had taken fire in the vicinity of Musa Qal Eh. The mission was confirmed a success by an on-scene joint terminal attack controller.

In the vicinity of Lashkar Gah, Navy F/A-18C Hornets performed shows of force to deter enemy activities and provide armed aerial overwatch for a coalition convoy in the area. The JTACs declared the missions successful.

A coalition aircraft performed a show of force to deter enemy activities near Gereshk. The mission was reported a success by a JTAC.

In total, 56 close-air- support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Three 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, an Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon performed a show of force and provided armed aerial overwatch for a coalition convoy that had just completed a raid resulting in the capture of a high value individual in the vicinity of Baghdad. A JTAC confirmed the mission successful.

In the vicinity of Ba' Qubah, an F-16 conducted a show of force and provided armed aerial overwatch to coalition forces patrolling in the area. A JTAC confirmed the mission successful.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 44 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-eight Air Force and Navy 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 4,200 passengers were transported. This included approximately 34,500 pounds of troop resupply airdropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Dec. 17, Air Force and coalition tanker crews flew 48 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.5 million pounds of fuel to 274 receiving aircraft.

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

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