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Airpower Summary for February 16

  • 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. 16, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped Guided Bomb Unit 31s and 38s onto enemy combatants and enemy mortar positions in the vicinity of Deh Rawod. The Joint Terminal Attack Controller declared the missions successful.

In Deh Rawod, a Royal Air Force GR.7 Harrier used a rocket and enhanced pave-way II munitions to destroy a location on the bank of a river containing enemy combatants. Also in Deh Rawod, a GR.7 used a rocket to destroy an enemy building containing an enemy combatant that was a high value target. The missions were reported as successful by the JTAC.

In total, 20 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, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons used GBU-38s to destroy Tree Borne Improvised Explosive Devices in the vicinity of N. Babil. The JTAC confirmed the missions a success.
In Balad, an F-16 used a maverick missile to destroy an enemy vehicle containing enemy combatants that were seen earlier emplacing IEDs. The mission was declared successful by the JTAC.

A Royal Air Force Tornado GR.4 conducted show of force in the vicinity of Baghdad to deter enemy activities. The JTAC reported the missions as successful.

In total, Coalition aircraft flew 42 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-six Air Force, Navy, and Royal Australian Air Force surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, two 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 123 airlift sorties were flown; 468 tons of cargo delivered, and 3,133 passengers were transported. This included approximately 55,800 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Feb. 15, U.S. Air Force and Royal Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 40 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.3 million pounds of fuel to 158 receiving aircraft.