US Airpower Summary, Jan. 26, 2009: KC-10s Support Refueling Missions

A KC-10 Extender supports air refueling missions over Afghanistan. Air Force and coalition tankers flew 42 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.7 million pounds of fuel to 200 receiving aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Andy Dunaway.)

Dispatches from the Front:

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Jan. 26, 2009 -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Jan. 25, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, coalition aircraft performed shows of force near Shurakian, preventing anti-Afghan forces gathering in the area from attacking a coalition infantry patrol.

Near Garmser, a coalition aircraft conducted a show of force to deter an enemy attack on a coalition force returning to base.

On-scene joint terminal attack controllers assigned to coalition units verified the success of these missions.

In total, 44 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Six Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, two coalition aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, 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-six 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 135 airlift sorties were flown, more than 475 tons of cargo was delivered and about 2,600 passengers were transported. This included approximately 16,800 pounds of troop resupply airdropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Jan. 24, Air Force tanker crews flew 42 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.7 million pounds of fuel to 200 receiving aircraft.

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

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