US Central Command Air Forces officials in Southwest Asia told the Associated Press news service that coalition forces engaged in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan had made some 750 airstrikes in May 2006 compared to about 660 in May 2005. (A tally of CENTAF data shows a total of 754 OEF airstrikes.) The reason: To counteract a spring offensive by insurgents in southern Afghanistan. CENTAF head Lt. Gen. Gary North told AP that most of the airstrikes responded to calls from coalition ground commanders asking for close air support.
Air Force F-16 pilot Lt. Col. Eric R. Emerson, who commanded a small quick reaction force of fighters responding to Iranian-backed militia groups in 2024, became the first Air National Guardsman presented with the Anthony C. Shine Award on Feb. 10.
