Feb. 21 airpower summary: B-1Bs destroy enemy combatants

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Feb. 21, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-38s onto enemy combatants in the vicinity of Musa Qaleh. An on-scene joint terminal attack controller reported the mission as a success.

An Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle conducted a show of force in order to deter enemy activities against coalition forces in the vicinity of Heydar. The mission was declared successful by a JTAC.

In total, 27 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, coalition aircraft flew 49 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-two Air Force and Navy intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, four Air Force 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 158 airlift sorties were flown, 764 tons of cargo were delivered and 3,528 passengers were transported. This included approximately 74,720 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Feb. 20,  Air Force and RAF tanker crews flew 38 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.5 million pounds of fuel to 181 receiving aircraft.