US Airpower Summary, Dec. 21, 2009

Dispatches from the Front:

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Dec. 21, 2009 -- Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations, Dec. 20, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials.

Air Operations in Afghanistan:

Chahar Bagh
Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft flew armed overwatch for friendly forces and coalition forces. Both forces reported receiving enemy fire and requested air support. The aircraft confirmed they had observed the point of origin for the enemy fire and engaged with strafing runs that eliminated the enemy fire.

Sheykhabad
Coalition aircraft provided armed overwatch and surveillance for friendly forces. When a show of force was requested, the aircraft successfully performed the show of force.

Sangin
Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft provided armed overwatch, reconnaissance and surveillance for a friendly forces convoy and fighting position. A show of force was performed when the friendly fighting position reported taking mortar fire. The show of force was considered successful when no further enemy action was noted.

Lashkar Gah
F-15E aircraft provided armed overwatch for a coalition forces patrol. A show of force was performed to ensure no enemy action took place around the coalition patrol. The show of force was considered successful when no enemy action was noted.

Air Operations in Iraq:

No significant action to report in the last 24 hours.

Air Power Statistics:

Air Mobility:
U.S. Air Force airlift sorties: 160
Short tons of delivered cargo: 614
Passengers: nearly 4,700
Airdropped cargo: nearly 210,000 pounds

Close Air Support:
Sorties flown to support ISAF & Afghan security forces: 74
Sorties flown to support Operation IRAQI FREEDOM: 18

Surveillance & Reconnaissance:
Sorties flown in Afghanistan: 30
Sorties flown in Iraq: 26
Tactical reconnaissance sorties flown in Afghanistan: 2 (USN)
Tactical reconnaissance sorties flown in Iraq: 2 (USAF)

Medical Evacuation:
On Dec. 19, Air Force HH-60 aircrew and Pararescue Airmen transported 2 patients

Aerial Refueling:
Sorties flown: 34
Fuel delivered: nearly 2.1 million pounds
Aircraft refueled: 125

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