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One Million Air Force Missions Against Terror

Synchronized and integrated into larger Coalition air efforts, these missions represent the most deliberate, disciplined and precise air campaign in history.

Washington, DC (Vocus) April 18, 2008 -- On April 21 the Air Force (http://www.af.mil/) expects to surpass more than one million missions flown by Air Force aircraft in the Global War on Terror since Sept. 11, 2001. Synchronized and integrated into larger Coalition (http://www.af.mil/news/story.aspid=123095005) air efforts, these missions represent the most deliberate, disciplined and precise air campaign in history.

U.S. Airmen launch more than 450 sorties daily as part of military operations in Iraq, Afghanistan and surrounding areas, and in support of homeland defense. The missions are flown from bases in the United States and more than 100 deployed sites worldwide. Air Force airlift, air refueling, aeromedical evacuation, fighter and reconnaissance aircraft provide 24/7 capability to Coalition combat forces. As one of many examples, multiple combat air patrols are airborne 24-hours-a-day, persistently monitoring the battlefield and ready to aid friendly forces in contact with the enemy.

The Air Force also participates in other U.S. and allied military operations around the globe, while operating the oldest fleet of aircraft in its 60-year history. As such, Air Force leaders have made the acquisition of new aircraft a top service priority, alongside "winning today's fight" and "taking care of Airmen."

Here's how the numbers break down as of April 1:

-    Operation Noble Eagle (http://www.1af.acc.af.mil/units/601staoc/index.asp): 50,984 sorties (5.1%) (Estimate 18 sorties/day)

-    Operation Enduring Freedom (http://www.afcent.af.mil/): 193,908 sorties (19.6%) (Estimate 85 sorties/day)

-    Operation Iraqi Freedom (http://www.afcent.af.mil/): 352,856 sorties (35.6%) (Estimate 200 sorties/day)

-    Additional supporting airlift missions: 393,424 sorties (39.7%) (Estimate 180 sorties/day)

Total Sorties in the Global War on Terror as of April 1: 991,172.

Though the total sortie number is expected to pass the one million mark on April 21st, it could happen as early as the 20th with just the slightest increase in current operations.

For more information, contact the Secretary of the Air Force Office of Public Affairs, Ms. Megan Orton or Lt. Col. Mike Paoli, at (703) 571-2779.

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