U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Joshua Garcia

Capt. Thomas Graham inspects the exhaust system of an F-16 Fighting Falcon during a preflight inspection at Balad Air Base, Iraq. The exterior and interior of the aircraft are examined to ensure that everything is operating properly before flying missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Captain Thomas is assigned to the 4th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron.

12/30/2007 - SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 28, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle performed a show of force with flares to deter enemy activities in Khowst. An on-scene joint terminal attack controller reported the show of force successful.

A French Mirage 2000 conducted a show of force to deter enemy actions in Orgune. The mission was deemed successful by a JTAC.

An F-15E performed a show of force to deter enemy activities in Musa Qala. The show of force was reported as successful by a JTAC.

In total, 41 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

In Iraq, an Air Force B-1B Lancer destroyed a cave with guided bomb unit-38s near Baqubah. The cave was used by enemy combatants. The mission was reported as a success by a JTAC.

Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons engaged enemy combatants with GBU-38s and cannon rounds in Balad. The enemy combatants were engaging friendly forces with small arms fire. The mission was reported as successful by a JTAC.

An F-16 destroyed a house containing an improvised explosive device with a GBU-38 in Baqubah. A JTAC reported the mission a success.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 48 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-four Air Force, Navy and Royal Australian Air Force surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, four Air Force and RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

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

Approximately 149 airlift sorties were flown, 661 tons of cargos were delivered, and 2,140 passengers were transported. This included approximately 97,540 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Dec. 27, Air Force, French and RAF tanker crews flew 38 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.5 million pounds of fuel to 198 receiving aircraft.

U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Joseph Kapinos

Dec. 29 airpower summary: A-10s provide close-air support An A-10 Thunderbolt II lands after a recent mission. A-10s can employ a wide variety of conventional munitions, including general purpose bombs, cluster bomb units, laser guided bombs, joint direct attack munitions, wind corrected munitions dispenser or WCMD, AGM-65 Maverick and AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles, rockets, illumination flares, and the GAU-8/A 30mm cannon. A-10s provide close-air support in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

12/30/2007 - SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 29, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs strafed and dropped a general purpose 500-pound bomb on enemy mortar positions in Asadabad. The strike was reported successful by an on-scene joint terminal attack controller as the munitions impacted the intended targets.

During the same mission, the A-10 also performed a show of force to deter enemy activities in Khowst. A JTAC declared the mission a success.

An Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle successfully conducted a show of force to deter enemy activities northwest of Tarin Kowt, according to a JTAC.

F-15Es dropped guided bomb unit-31s on enemy caves northwest of Tarin Kowt. A JTAC confirmed the bombs destroyed the intended targets.

An Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped GBU-38s and a GBU-31 on enemy caves located in Tarin Kowt. The bombs destroyed the targets and secondary explosions were also observed, according to a JTAC.

A B-1B dropped GBU-38s and GBU-31s on enemy combatants northwest of Asadabad. The strike was reported successful by a JTAC.

A-10s strafed enemy combatants with cannon rounds in Asadabad. A JTAC assessed the mission as successful.

F-15Es performed shows of force with flares to deter enemy activities in Orgune. The mission was deemed successful by a JTAC.

Royal Air Force GR-9 Harriers conducted shows of force over suspected enemy positions in Sangin. The mission achieved the desired effect, according to a JTAC.

In total, 36 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

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-one Air Force, Navy and RAF surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, four Air Force and RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

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

Approximately 143 airlift sorties were flown, 711 tons of cargos were delivered, and 2,982 passengers were transported.

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

On Dec. 28, Air Force, French and RAF tanker crews flew 35 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.3 million pounds of fuel to 202 receiving aircraft.

U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Justin Jacobs

An F-16 Fighting Falcon moves into place behind a KC-135 Stratotanker. On Dec. 29, Air Force, French and Royal Air Force tanker crews flew 36 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.5 million pounds of fuel to 202 receiving aircraft.

12/31/2007 - SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 30, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle dropped a guided bomb unit-38 on enemy combatants north of Qalat. An on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed the bomb struck the intended target.

Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs successfully performed shows of force with flares north of Deh’ Rawod, according to a JTAC.

F-15Es struck enemy personnel, positions and a compound with GBU-12s and a GBU-38 in Deh’ Rawod. In addition, an F-15E conducted a show of force in the area. A JTAC confirmed the missions were successful.

Royal Air Force Harrier GR-9s used enhanced Paveway II munitions, a 540-pound bomb and rockets against enemy structures and fighting positions in Deh’ Rawod. Enemy combatants were engaging coalition forces in the area. The mission was reported as a success by a JTAC.

An Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped GBU-38s on enemy combatants north of Deh’ Rawod. Additionally, the B-1B supported a coalition force engagement by dropping GBU-31s and GBU-38s in Qalat. The missions were reported as successful by a JTAC.

An A-10 engaged enemy combatants with cannon rounds, 500-pound bombs and a GBU-38 north of Qalat. The strikes were deemed as successful by a JTAC.

Multiple coalition aircraft supported coalition forces by conducting shows of force in Afghanistan. F-15Es showed their presence to deter enemy activities in Shkin, Gereshk and Kabul. A GR-9 performed a show of force over a checkpoint in Sangin, an A-10 conducted a show of force over coalition positions in Bagram and a French Mirage 2000 conducted a show of force in Gereshk. JTACs involved declared each mission successful.

In total, 38 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Seven Air Force and Royal Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan.

In Iraq, a RAF Tornado GR-4 performed a show of force to deter enemy activities in Salman Pak. A JTAC reported the mission successful.

A Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet engaged improvised explosive device emplacers hiding in a structure in Balad City with a GBU-51. The mission was reported as a success by a JTAC.

An Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon performed a show of force to deter enemy activities in Baghdad. The show of force achieved the desired effects, according to a JTAC.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 68 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-one Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, six Air Force, Navy and RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

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

Some 146 airlift sorties were flown, 623 tons of cargo were delivered and 2,678 passengers were transported. Airlift included approximately 9,000 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Dec. 29, Air Force, French and RAF tanker crews flew 36 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.5 million pounds of fuel to 202 receiving aircraft.

U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Douglas Olsen

Staff Sgt. Brandon Neitz and Tech. Sgt. James Sheldon load 2,000-pound bombs on an Air Force B-1B Lancer in preparation for a mission in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The B-1B can rapidly deliver massive quantities of precision and non-precision weapons on specific targets

1/1/2008 - SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 31, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II performed a show of force with flares to deter enemy activities in Tarin Kowt. During another mission in the same area, A-10s engaged an enemy structure with a guided bomb unit-38 and an enemy mortar position with a GBU-12. The missions were reported as successful an on-scene joint terminal attack controller.

An Air Force B-1B Lancer targeted an enemy bunker with a GBU-31 and GBU-38s in Now Zad. A JTAC reported the mission a success.

An Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle engaged enemy combatants in a bunker with GBU-38s and a GBU-12 in Lashkar Ghar. The mission was assessed as successful by a JTAC.

An A-10 performed a show of force to deter enemy activities in Gardez. The show of force was deemed a success by a JTAC.

During a mission in Qalat, a B-1B targeted enemy combatants with GBU-31s and GBU-38s. The enemy combatants were engaging friendly forces in the area. A JTAC reported that the mission was successful.

An A-10 performed a show of force in Gardez and a show of force with flares in Tarin Kowt. French Mirage 2000s conducted shows of force in Orgune. A show of force was performed by a B-1B in Morghab. Shows of force were conducted by F-15s in Qal-e-Naw. Each show of force was performed to deter enemy activates in the area. These missions were reported as a success by a JTAC.

In total, 38 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Eight Air Force and Royal Air Force surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan.

In Iraq, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons performed a strike with GBU-38s on a structure used by al-Qaida. The structure was completely destroyed. The mission was reported as successful by a JTAC.

To deter enemy activities, a RAF Tornado GR-4 performed a show of force in Baqubah and shows of force were preformed in Basrah. The shows of force were reported as successful by a JTAC.

F-16s destroyed a house-borne improvised explosive device with GBU-38s in Baqubah.

Navy F/A-18E Super Hornets performed shows of force with flares to deter enemy activities in Umm Qasr and Basrah. The missions were reported successful.

F-16s performed a show of force with flares to deter enemy activities in Baghdad. The show of force was deemed successful by a JTAC.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 67 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.

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

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

Approximately 126 airlift sorties were flown, 761 tons of cargos were delivered, and 2,034 passengers were transported. This included approximately 60,000 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Dec. 30, Air Force, French and RAF tanker crews flew 43 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.7 million pounds of fuel to 231 receiving aircraft.

U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Brian Ferguson

An A-10 Thunderbolt II takes off from Bagram Airfield, to fly a combat sortie in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The A-10 has excellent maneuverability at low air speeds and altitude, and is a highly accurate weapons-delivery platforms.

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Jan. 1, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, a French Mirage 2000 engaged an enemy target in Now Zad with a guided bomb unit-12. The mission was reported as a success by the on-scene joint terminal attack controller.

An Air Force B-1B Lancer engaged enemy combatants in Nangalam with a GBU-31. The enemy combatants were engaging friendly forces with small-arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades. The mission was reported as successful by the JTAC.

An A-10 Thunderbolt II performed a show of force with flares to deter enemy activities in Asadabad. In the same area, an A-10 engaged enemy combatants with a GBU-12, and F-15E Strike Eagles targeted an enemy firing position with GBU-38s. The missions were reported as successful.

A show of force was conducted by a Mirage to deter enemy activities in Musa Qala. The mission was reported as a success by the JTAC. In the same area, a MQ-1B Predator engaged enemy combatants with a Hellfire missile. The JTAC reported the mission was a success.

Shows of force were performed by F-15Es to deter enemy activities in Gereshk, Konduz and Orgune. The shows of force were reported as successful

In total, 41 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Eight Air Force and Royal Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan.

In Iraq, a B-1B destroyed weapons caches in Baghdad with GBU-31s. The mission was reported successful by the JTAC.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 57 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-one Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, four Navy aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

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

Approximately 140 airlift sorties were flown, 502 tons of cargo were delivered and 3,340 passengers were transported. Airlift included approximately 54,000 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Dec. 31, Air Force, French and RAF tanker crews flew 45 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.1 million pounds of fuel to 262 receiving aircraft.

U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Jonathan Snyder

An Air Force MQ-1B Predator from the 361st Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron takes off from Ali Base, Iraq, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The Predator is a medium-altitude, long-endurance, remotely piloted aircraft capable of conducting armed reconnaissance.

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Jan. 2, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles conducted air strikes against enemy structures in Gereshk with guided bomb unit-31s and GBU-38s. The on-scene joint terminal attack controller reported the mission a success.

In the same area, A-10 Thunderbolt IIs engaged enemy combatants with a GBU-12 and cannon rounds. The mission was reported as successful by the JTAC.

A MQ-1B Predator targeted enemy combatants in Deh Rawod with a Hellfire missile. The JTAC reported the strike as a success.

Cannon rounds, fired by F-15Es, were used against enemy combatants in Gereshk. The mission was reported as a success.

Shows of force were performed by a French Mirage 2000 in Musa Qala and Now Zad. Another show of force was conducted by a Royal Air Force GR-9 Harrier in Gereshk. In Jalalabad, a show of force was performed by an F-15E. Shows of force are used to deter enemy activities. These missions were reported as successful.

In total, 42 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Seven Air Force and RAF intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan.

In Iraq, Navy F/A-18F Super Hornets targeted improvised explosive devices in Baghdad with GBU-38s. The JTAC reported that the IEDs were successfully destroyed.

An F-16 Fighting Falcon performed shows of force in Baghdad and Samarra. The shows of force were performed to deter enemy activities in the areas.

A RAF GR-7 Tornado conducted a show of force to deter enemy activities in Basrah. The mission was reported as a success.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 62 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-one Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, six Navy and RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

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

Some 143 airlift sorties were flown, 453 tons of cargo were delivered and 2,751 passengers were transported. Airlift included approximately 6,000 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Jan. 1, Air Force, French and RAF tanker crews flew 41 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.8 million pounds of fuel to 221 receiving aircraft.

U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Terry L. Blevins

A-10 Thunderbolt IIs from the 442nd Fighter Wing taxi before a combat mission over Iraq. A-10s played a vital role in coalition operations in Afghanistan Jan. 4.

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Jan. 4, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs engaged enemy combatants with cannon rounds in Bagram. Enemy combatants were engaging friendly forces with small arms fire. In the same area, A-10s performed shows of force to deter enemy activities. The missions were reported as successful by the joint terminal attack controllers.

An Air Force B-1B Lancer conducted an air strike against an enemy mortar position with a guided bomb unit-38 in Asadabad. The JTAC reported the strike a success.

Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles engaged enemy combatants in buildings with a GBU-31 and GBU-38s in Deh Rawod. The enemy combatants in the buildings were engaging coalition forces with small arms fire and rocket propelled grenades. The mission was reported as successful.

Shows of force were performed by F-15Es to deter enemy activities in Sangin. During one of the shows of force, flares were used. The missions were reported as successful by the JTAC.

Another show of force was conducted by an A-10 to deter enemy activities in Orgune. The show of force was reported a success.

In total, 34 close air support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Two Air Force surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan.

In Iraq, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons engaged enemy combatants with cannon rounds in Babil. During another mission in the same area, a house used by enemy combatants was destroyed by F-16s with GBU-38s. The enemy combatants were engaging friendly forces with small arms fire. The missions were reported as successful by the JTACs.

Royal Air Force Tornado GR-4s conducted shows of force to deter enemy activities in Al Kut. The shows of force were assessed as successful.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 58 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 Air Force, Navy, and Royal Australian Air Force Surveillance and Reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, six Navy and RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

Air Force C-130s and C-17s provided intra-theater heavy airlift support, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 125 airlift sorties were flown; 396 tons of cargos were delivered and 2,781 passengers were transported.

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

On Jan. 3, Air Force, RAF and French aerial refueling crews flew 45 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.9 million pounds of fuel to 238 receiving aircraft.

U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Cecilio M. Ricardo Jr.

Southwest Asia -- A B1-B Lancer Bomber prepares to take off and provide a show of force for coalition forces near Ad Diwaniyah. The bomber continues to play an important role in air operations conducted in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Jan. 5, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer conducted several missions with bombs dropped against enemy combatants and positions. The B-1B dropped guided bomb unit-31s and GBU-38s on enemy compounds in Gereshk. Additionally, enemy positions and mortar sites located in the Asadabad area were hit with GBU-31s and GBU-38s. An on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed the strikes achieved the desired effects.

An Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle engaged enemy combatants by dropping a GBU-31 in Nangalam. Enemy personnel were in contact against coalition forces in the area. The strike destroyed the intended target, according to a JTAC.

Enemy firing positions were struck by GBU-31s dropped from a B-1B in Bari Kowt. A JTAC declared the mission as successful.

An Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II performed shows of force to deter enemy activities in Sangin. The missions were reported by a JTAC as successful.

An F-15E conducted shows of force with flares to deter enemy activities in Gereshk. A JTAC deemed the missions as a success.

In total, 19 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

In Iraq, Navy F/A-18E Hornets engaged enemy mortar positions by dropping GBU-38s in Baghdad. A weapons cache was also struck during the strike. The mission was assessed as successful by a JTAC.

An Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon performed a show of force to deter suspected enemy activities northeast of Balad.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 50 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-three Air Force, Navy, and RAF surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, four Navy aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

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

Approximately 126 airlift sorties were flown, 486 tons of cargo were delivered and 2,967 passengers were transported. This included approximately 6,000 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Jan. 4, Air Force, RAF and French tanker crews flew 40 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.4 million pounds of fuel to 211 receiving aircraft.

Air Force Link

Steven Schneider, an aerospace engineer and professor in Purdue’s School of Aeronautics and Astronautics, operates the university’s one-of-a-kind wind tunnel, which runs quietly at Mach 6, or six times the speed of sound. Researchers will use the $1 million wind tunnel to help design advanced aircraft that travel at hypersonic speeds, or faster than Mach 5, which is about 4,000 mph at sea level. (Courtesy photo)

Funding provided by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research has resulted in the world's only quiet hypersonic wind tunnel, which researchers are now using to test the performance of vehicles traveling at hypersonic speeds, or approximately 4,000 mph.

A team of researchers at Purdue University, led by Dr. Steven Schneider, is using the Boeing/AFOSR Mach 6 Quiet Wind Tunnel to study airflow over the nose of a new hypersonic vehicle prototype, called the X-51A.

The team has been perfecting the wind tunnel for over a decade. NASA pioneered quiet facilities many years ago, but Purdue maintains the only such facility in the world capable of operating at hypersonic speeds.

"Engineers are compiling detailed information about when and how airflow changes from laminar (or smooth) to turbulent as it speeds over the X-51A’s surfaces," Dr. Schneider said in an article published by the Purdue News Service.

In the same article, Dr. Schneider noted that increasing smooth airflow over the X-51A’s upper surface is important because it reduces friction and heat that could destroy the vehicle. The transition from laminar to turbulent flow can increase surface heat by almost 10 times.

To achieve the quiet test environment, researchers modify the curves of a tunnel segment called the nozzle and polish its surface to a mirror-like finish. These conditions delay the onset of turbulent flow in the nozzle, so airflow that enters the test section is as quiet and smooth as possible. In a conventional tunnel, turbulent flow in the nozzle would radiate noise into the test section that could interfere with or mask critical findings.

"Using the unique research capability made possible by the Mach 6 tunnel, Dr. Schneider and a team of researchers are now able to characterize, or describe, the onset of the laminar to turbulent transition on hypersonic aircrafts such as the X-51A with clarity that would be impossible using a conventional wind tunnel," said Dr. John Schmisseur, the AFOSR program manager.

By funding research programs like this, AFOSR continues to expand the horizon of scientific knowledge through its leadership and management of the Air Force’s basic research program. As a vital component of the Air Force Research Laboratory, AFOSR supports the Air Force mission of control and maximum utilization of air and space.

U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. John Nimmo Sr.

An F-16 Fighting Falcon from the 22nd Expeditionary Fighter Squadron lands at Balad Air Base, Iraq. Members of the 22nd EFS, deployed from Spangdahlem AB, Germany, fly missions daily in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Jan. 6, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle destroyed a disabled vehicle with a guided bomb unit-31 in Tarin Kowt. The mission was reported as a success by an on-scene joint terminal attack controller.

F-15Es engaged enemy firing positions with cannon rounds in Kajaki Dam. A JTAC reported the mission as successful.

F-15Es performed shows of force in Orgune and Musa Qala. French Mirage 2000s conducted shows of force in Gereshk and Kandahar. Shows of force are performed to deter enemy activities in a specific area. The missions were reported as successful by a JTAC.

In total, 45 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

In Iraq, an Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon destroyed a house-borne improvised explosive device with a GBU-38 in Baghdad. A JTAC reported the house was completely destroyed.

RAF GR-4 Tornados engaged a structure containing enemy combatants with Enhanced Paveway II munitions in Baqubah. The enemy combatants were engaging friendly forces with small arms fire and rocket propelled grenades. The mission was reported as successful by a JTAC.

A show of force was performed by a GR-4 to deter enemy activities in Baghdad. A JTAC reported the show of force as a success.

An F-16 destroyed an enemy structure with a GBU-38 in Babil. The mission was reported as a success by a JTAC.

Enemy targets were engaged by F-16s with cannon rounds and a GBU-12s in Nasiriyah. The mission was reported as successful by a JTAC.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 43 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-one Air Force, Navy and Royal Australian Air Force surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, two Air Force aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

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

Approximately 128 airlift sorties were flown, 434 tons of cargo were delivered, and 3,422 passengers were transported. This included approximately 87,000 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Jan. 5, Air Force, French and RAF tanker crews flew 44 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.5 million pounds of fuel to 196 receiving aircraft.