Feb. 14 airpower summary: C-130s support coalition forces

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

In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-38s onto an enemy combatant firing position. The mission was declared successful by an on-scene joint terminal attack controller.

A show of force was performed by a Royal Air Force GR-7 Harrier in order to deter enemy activities in the area of Sangin. A JTAC reported the mission as a success.

In total, 24 close-air-support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Nine Air Force and RAF intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, two RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, a Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet conducted a show of force near Baghdad in order to deter enemy activities in the area. The mission was declared a success by a JTAC.

In Safwan, a Navy F/A-18 Hornet performed shows of force to deter enemy activities in the area. A JTAC confirmed the missions as successful.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 59 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, 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 96 airlift sorties were flown, 546 tons of cargo were delivered and 2,416 passengers were transported. This included approximately 18,800 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Feb. 13, Air Force and RAF tanker crews flew 46 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.1 million pounds of fuel to 280 receiving aircraft.