US Airpower Summary; Dec. 3, 2008: F-16s Provide Top Cover

An F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft returns to the fight after receiving fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker during a mission over Iraq. The F-16, with its high maneuverability, provides top cover for coalition forces in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Andy Dunaway.)

Dispatches from the Front:

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Dec. 3, 2008 -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 2, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped a guided bomb unit-38 into a compound where anti-Afghan forces were firing rocket-propelled grenades and mortars at coalition forces in the vicinity of Musa Qaleh. The mission was confirmed a success by an on-scene joint terminal attack controller.

In the vicinity of Sangin, a coalition aircraft fired Enhanced Paveway II munitions onto anti-Afghan forces gathering inside a two-story compound containing a weapons cache. In addition, a coalition aircraft conducted a show of force to deter enemy fighters from re-engaging coalition fighters. The JTACs declared the missions successful.

A Navy F/A-18A Hornet performed a show of force to deter enemy activities and provided armed aerial overwatch for coalition forces advancing toward enemy positions within a tree line in the vicinity of Surkhabad. The mission was reported a success by a JTAC.

In total, 64 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 to deter enemy activities in the vicinity of Baqubah. The JTACs declared the missions successful.

Near Tikrit, an F-16 performed a show of force to deter enemy fighters who were digging along the side of the road and emplacing improvised explosive devices. The mission was reported a success by a JTAC.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 35 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, 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 110 airlift sorties were flown, more than 370 tons of cargo were delivered and nearly 2,800 passengers were transported. This included approximately 141,000 pounds of troop resupply airdropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Dec. 1, Air Force and coalition tanker crews flew 46 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3 million pounds of fuel to 226 receiving aircraft.

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

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