April 23 airpower summary: B-1B destroys enemy compound

Published April 25, 2008

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations April 23, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles performed shows of force in order to deter enemy activities in Asadabad and Bari Kowt. An on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed that the missions were successful.

In order to deter enemy activities French 2000 Mirages performed shows of force in Now Zad and Orgune. A JTAC reported that the missions were successful.

An Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped a guided bomb unit-31 and 38s in order to destroy an enemy compound and enemy combatants in Kajaki Dam. A JTAC declared that the missions were successful.

A Royal Air Force GR-7 Harrier performed a show of force in order to deter enemy activities in Shinkay. A JTAC reported the success of the mission.

In total, 39 close-air-support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Fourteen Air Force and RAF intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, two RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, F-16 Fighting Falcons dropped GBU-38s in order to destroy house-borne improvised explosive devices in Baghdad. A JTAC reported that the missions were successful.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 60 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions integrated and synchronized coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided overwatch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Twenty-five Air Force and Navy intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, eight 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, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 149 airlift sorties were flown, 521 tons of cargo delivered and 3,588 passengers were transported. This included approximately 16,228 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On April 22, Air Force and RAF tanker crews flew 51 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.2 million pounds of fuel to 268 receiving aircraft.