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Airpower Summary for February 29

  • Published
  • Combined Air and Space Operations Center
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Coalition airpower integrated with Coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations Feb. 29, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer and F-15E Strike Eagles dropped a Guided Bomb Unit-12, 38, and 31s in order to destroy enemy compounds and weapon caches in Garmser. The Joint Terminal Attack Controller confirmed that the missions were successful.

In Nangalam, F-15s dropped GBU-31s and 38s in order to destroy enemy combatants. The JTAC reported that the missions were successful.

In order to deter enemy activities Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs performed shows of force in Bari Kowt and Lwara. The missions were declared successful by the JTAC.

French Mirage-2000s performed shows of force in order to deter enemy activities in Qalat and Sangin. The JTAC confirmed that the missions were successful.

A British GR.7 performed a show of force in order to deter enemy activities in Musa Qala. The JTAC reported that the mission was successful.

In Bermel, F-15s performed shows of force in order to deter enemy activities. The success of the mission was declared by the JTAC.

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

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

In Iraq, a British Tornado GR.4 and a Navy F/A-18C Hornet dropped a GBU-38 and an Enhanced Paveway II munition in order to destroy House Borne Improvised Explosive Devices in Baqubah. The JTAC confirmed that the missions were successful.

In Basrah, a Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet dropped a GBU-51 in order to destroy an IED. The success of the mission was declared by the JTAC.

In total, Coalition aircraft flew 63 close air support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions integrated and synchronized Coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided over watch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Twenty-two Air Force and Navy surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, Eight Air Force, Navy, and Royal Air Force aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

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

Approximately 150 airlift sorties were flown; 768 tons of cargo delivered, and 3,527 passengers were transported

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

On Feb. 28, U.S. Air Force, French, and Royal Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 48 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.7 million pounds of fuel to 267 receiving aircraft.