US Airpower Summary; Dec. 26, 2008: F-15s Protect Convoys

An F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft flies over Afghanistan in support of Operation Mountain Lion April 12, 2006. F-15s continue to serve an important role in operations throughout Iraq and Afghanistan, flying overwatch missions and protecting U.S. and coalition personnel. (U.S. Air Force photo by Lance Cheung.)

Dispatches from the Front:

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Dec. 26, 2008 -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 25, 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 general purpose 500-pound bombs onto anti-Afghan locations where indirect fire had originated against a coalition convoy in the vicinity of Orgun E. In addition, an A-10 performed a show of force to deter anti-coalition activities in the vicinity of Mata Khan. The missions were confirmed a success by the joint terminal attack controllers.

In the vicinity of Musa Qal Eh, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle dropped a GBU-38 onto anti-Afghan forces who were firing rocket propelled grenades at coalition forces. An F-15E also performed a show of force and provided aerial overwatch for a coalition convoy in the vicinity of Qalat. The JTACs declared the missions successful.

An F-15E conducted a show of force to deter anti-Afghan activities and provided armed aerial overwatch for a coalition quick reaction force that was egressing back to a nearby convoy in the vicinity of Jalalabad. The JTAC reported the mission successful.

In the vicinity of Bagram, an A-10 performed a show of force and provided aerial overwatch for a coalition convoy. The mission was confirmed a success by the JTAC.

In total, 52 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Seventeen Air Force surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan.

In Iraq, coalition aircraft flew 41 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-six Air Force and Navy surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, three Air Force and coalition aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

Air Force C-130s and C-17s provided intra-theater heavy airlift, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 140 airlift sorties were flown, more than 620 tons of cargo were delivered and nearly 2,000 passengers were transported.

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

On Dec. 24, Air Force and coalition aerial refueling crews flew 36 sorties and off-loaded approximately two million pounds of fuel to 150 receiving aircraft.

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

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