Feb. 20 airpower summary: F-15s destroy enemy targets

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

In Afghanistan, British GR-7 Harriers dropped guided bomb unit-38s in order to destroy an enemy compound in Sangin. In addition GR-7s performed shows of force in order to deter enemy activities. An on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed that the missions were successful.

An Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped GBU-31s in order to destroy an enemy weapons cache in Baghran. The success of the mission was declared by a JTAC.

In Khowst, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and a B-1B performed shows of force in order to deter enemy activities. A JTAC reported that the missions were successful.

In order to deter enemy activities a show of force was performed by an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle in Bari Kowt. A JTAC confirmed that the mission was successful.

In Musa Qala, F-15Es dropped GBU-38s in order to destroy enemy combatants and an enemy compound. A JTAC declared that the mission was successful.

In total, 43 close-air-support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Seven 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, a British GR-4 Tornado dropped an enhanced paveway II munition in order to destroy enemy mortar positions. A JTAC reported that the mission was successful.

In Baghdad, 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 46 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-five 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, 502 tons of cargo delivered and 2,361 passengers were transported. This included approximately 60,450 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Feb. 19, Air Force and RAF tanker crews flew 32 sorties and off-loaded approximately 1.5 million pounds of fuel to 81 receiving aircraft.