Airpower Summary for February 14

Published Feb. 15, 2008
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. 14, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped Guide Bomb Unit-38s onto an enemy combatant firing position. The mission was declared successful by the Joint Terminal Attack Controller.

A show of force was performed by a Royal Air Force GR.7 Harrier in order to deter enemy activities in the area of Sangin. The JTAC reported the mission as a success.

In total, 24 close air support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Nine Air Force and Royal 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-18E Super Hornet conducted a show of force near Baghdad in order to deter enemy activities in the area. The mission was declared a success by the JTAC.

In Safwan, a Navy F/A-18C Hornet performed shows of force to deter enemy activities in the area. The JTAC confirmed the missions as successful.

In total, Coalition aircraft flew 59 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-five Air Force and Navy 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 96 airlift sorties were flown; 546 tons of cargo were delivered, and 2,416 passengers were transported. This included approximately 18,800 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Feb. 13, U.S. Air Force and Royal Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 46 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.1 million pounds of fuel to 280 receiving aircraft.