Feb. 26 airpower summary: B-1Bs destroy Taliban check point

  • Published
Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Feb. 26, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs dropped guided bomb unit-12s in order to destroy enemy combatants in Garmser and Bari Kowt. An on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed that the mission was successful

Air Force B-1B Lancers dropped GBU-31s and 38s in order to destroy an enemy commander's house, a Taliban check point, an enemy ambush site, improvised explosive device emplacers, and enemy combatants on a ridge line. A JTAC reported that the missions were successful.

In Uruzgan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle performed a show of force in order to deter enemy activities. The mission was declared successful by a JTAC.

In order to deter enemy activities a show of force was performed by a British GR-7 Harrier in Gereshk. A JTAC confirmed that the mission was successful.

In Orgune, an A-10 performed shows of force in order to deter enemy activities. A JTAC reported that the missions were successful.

In total, 39 close-air-support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Eight Air Force intelligence, 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. The mission was declared successful by a JTAC.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 61 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions integrated and synchronized coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided overwatch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Twenty-seven Air Force and Navy intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, six Air Force, Navy and RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intra-theater heavy airlift, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 142 airlift sorties were flown, 618 tons of cargo were delivered and 3,137 passengers were transported. This included approximately 62,160 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Feb. 25, Air Force, French and RAF tanker crews flew 45 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.0 million pounds of fuel to 156 receiving aircraft.