Airpower: KC-135s help fuel 233 aircraft

US Air Force,

SOUTHWEST ASIA: Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Nov. 12, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle released flares during a show of force to deter enemy activity against coalition forces in Bermel. The on-scene joint terminal attack controller declared the mission as successful.

During the same mission, an F-15E performed a show of force to deter enemy activities in Uruzgan. The mission was assessed as successful by the JTAC.

Guided bomb unit-12s from Navy F/A-18 Hornets were dropped against enemy mortar positions in Oruzgan. Coalition compounds were being hit with mortar fire from enemy combatants. The JTAC confirmed good hits on the intended targets and deemed the mission as successful.

An F/A-18 dropped GBU-38s on enemy positions in Sangin. The JTAC declared the strike as successful.

During the same mission, an F/A-18 released flares during a show of force to deter enemy activities in Musa Qal'eh. The mission was reported as a success by the JTAC.

An Air Force B1-B Lancer used GBU-38s and GBU-31s against enemy vehicles in Oruzgan. The vehicles were used by enemy combatants. The JTAC confirmed the enemy vehicles were destroyed and the mission was a success.

An F/A-18 supported a coalition convoy by releasing flares during a show of force. The convoy had received hostile fire from enemy combatants in Gardez. The JTAC assessed the mission as successful.

Shows of force to deter enemy activities in Nowzad were conducted by Navy F/A-18 Super Hornets. The JTAC declared the mission as successful.

A show of force was performed by an F/A-18 to support Afghan police and pro-government nationals in Baghran. The mission was reported as successful.

A Royal Air Force Harrier GR-9 performed a show of force to deter enemy activities in Musa Qala. The JTAC assessed the mission as successful.

In total, 35 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Seven Air Force and RAF surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, two RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons destroyed earthen bridges used by Al Qaeda with GBU-12s and GBU-38s in Baghdad. The JTAC confirmed that the targets were destroyed and the mission was successful.

Al Qaeda crossing points were destroyed by F-16s with GBU-38s in Baghdad. The mission was reported as a success by the JTAC.

A show of force was performed by an F-16 near Al Kut to deter enemy activities in the area. The JTAC confirmed that the mission was a success.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 45 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions supported coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided over watch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Twenty-six Air Force, Navy, and Royal Australian Air Force surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, three Air Force and RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

Air Force C-130 Hercules and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intratheater heavy airlift support, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 155 airlift sorties were flown; 359 tons of cargos were delivered, and 3,390 passengers were transported.

Coalition C-130 crews from Australia, Canada, Iraq, and Japan flew in support of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.

On Nov. 11, Air Force and RAF aerial refueling crews flew 44 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.6 million pounds of fuel to 233 receiving aircraft.