An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Airpower Summary for January 31

  • 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 Jan. 31, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped Guided Bomb Unit-31 and 38s on enemy firing positions and an enemy weapons cache in Sangin. The Joint Terminal Attack Controller confirmed that the mission was successful.

In order to deter enemy activities an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle, a British GR.7 Harrier, and a French Mirage F-1 CR performed shows of force in Uruzgan. The JTAC reported that the mission was successful.

In Nangalam, a show of force was performed by F-15s in order to deter enemy activities. The JTAC declared that the mission was successful.

In total, 40 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, an Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon performed a show of force in order to deter enemy activities in Baqubah. The JTAC confirmed that the mission was successful.

In Basrah, a show of force was performed by an F-16 in order to deter enemy activities. The mission was reported successful by the JTAC.

In order to deter enemy activities shows of force were provided by F-16s in Al Kut. The JTAC declared that the missions were successful

In total, Coalition aircraft flew 26 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.

Eighteen Air Force and Navy surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq.

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 121 airlift sorties were flown; 537 tons of cargo were delivered, and 1,860 passengers were transported. This included approximately 6,000 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 Jan. 30, U.S. Air Force and Royal Air Force aerial refueling crews flew 41 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.5 million pounds of fuel to 226 receiving aircraft.