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Airpower Summary for February 15

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

In Afghanistan a total of 25 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 Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet dropped a Guided Bomb Unit-38 in order to destroy an enemy rocket position in Basrah. In addition a show of force was performed by an F/A-18 in order to deter further enemy activities. The Joint Terminal Attack Controller confirmed that the missions were successful.

In total, Coalition aircraft flew 43 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, six 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 132 airlift sorties were flown; 421 tons of cargo were delivered, and 2,341 passengers were transported.

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

On Feb. 14, U.S. Air Force and Royal Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 39 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.7 million pounds of fuel to 210 receiving aircraft.