U.S. Air Forces Central Public Affairs
12.30.2009 SOUTHWEST ASIA — Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations, Dec. 25, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials.
Air Operations in Afghanistan:
Asmar
Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. When the friendly forces reported taking enemy fire, a request for air support was made. The point of origin for the enemy fire was confirmed and precision guided munitions were released on the target ending the enemy fire and action.
Morghab
Air Force B-1B Lancer aircraft provided armed overwatch for friendly forces and a patrol. The friendly forces reported taking enemy fire for hours and requested air power assistance to terminate the enemy action. Precision guided munitions were released on the enemy target coordinates and destroyed the enemy fighting position, ceasing the enemy fire.
Asadabad
F-16 aircraft provided armed overwatch and reconnaissance for friendly forces. The friendly forces reported no enemy activity and requested a show of force to continue the deterrence of enemy action. A show of force (with flares expended) was performed in the area and was deemed successful when no enemy action was noted.
Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle flew armed overwatch for Afghan national army forces. When the ANA fighting position was attacked, they performed a show of force (with flares expended) to deter the enemy forces attack. The show of force was deemed successful.
Chahar Bagh
Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet aircraft flew armed overwatch for friendly forces. The friendly forces requested a show of force be performed to reassure the friendly forces that air power was in the area. The show of force was considered successful.
Shurikian
Navy F/A-18C Hornet aircraft provided armed overwatch for a friendly forces patrol. Aircrews successfully executed a show of force requested by ground units.
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: 151
Short tons of delivered cargo: 819
Passengers: nearly 2,600
Airdropped cargo: nearly 180,000 pounds
Close Air Support:
Sorties flown to support ISAF & Afghan security forces: 89
Sorties flown to support Operation IRAQI FREEDOM: 16
Surveillance & Reconnaissance:
Sorties flown in Afghanistan: 30
Sorties flown in Iraq: 27
Tactical reconnaissance sorties flown in Afghanistan: NONE
Tactical reconnaissance sorties flown in Iraq: 2 (USAF)
Medical Evacuation:
On Dec. 24, Air Force HH-60 aircrew and Pararescue Airmen transported 9 patients
Aerial Refueling:
Sorties flown: 43
Fuel delivered: nearly 2.8 million pounds
Aircraft refueled: 220
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