Feb. 16 airpower summary: F-16s protect coalition forces

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during Feb. 16, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided-bomb-unit 31s and 38s onto enemy combatants and enemy mortar positions in the vicinity of Deh Rawod. An on-scene joint terminal attack controller declared the missions successful.

In Deh Rawod, a Royal Air Force GR-7 Harrier used a rocket and Enhanced Paveway II munitions to destroy a location on the bank of a river containing enemy combatants. Also in Deh Rawod, a GR-7 used a rocket to destroy an enemy building containing an enemy combatant that was a high-value target. The missions were reported as successful by a JTAC.

In total, 20 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 RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons used GBU-38s to destroy tree-borne improvised explosive devices in the vicinity of N. Babil. A JTAC confirmed the missions a success. 

An F-16 used a Maverick missile to destroy an enemy vehicle containing enemy combatants that were seen earlier emplacing IEDs in Balad. The mission was declared successful by a JTAC.

A RAF GR-4 Tornado conducted show of force to deter enemy activities in the vicinity of Baghdad. A JTAC reported the missions as successful.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 42 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-six Air Force, Navy and Royal Australian Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, two Air Force aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance. 

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

Approximately 123 airlift sorties were flown, 468 tons of cargo delivered and 3,133 passengers were transported. This included approximately 55,800 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 Feb. 15, Air Force and RAF tanker crews flew 40 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.3 million pounds of fuel to 158 receiving aircraft.