Feb. 8 airpower summary: Groundcrews keep aircraft flying

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

In Afghanistan, an Air Force aircraft dropped a guided bomb unit-12 in order to destroy an enemy bunker in Musa Qal'eh. The  on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed that the mission was successful.

In order to deter enemy activities a French Mirage-2000 performed a show of force in Sangin. The success of the mission was reported by the JTAC.

In Now Zad, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped GBU-38's and GBU-31s in order to eliminate multiple enemy combatants. The JTAC declared that the mission was successful.

In Orgune, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles performed shows of force in order to deter enemy activities. The JTAC reported that the missions were successful.

In total, 40 close-air-support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Ten 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 in Baqubah. The JTAC confirmed that the missions were successful.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 56 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-four Air Force, Navy, and Royal Australian Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, four 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 152 airlift sorties were flown; 491 tons of cargo were delivered, and 2,818 passengers were transported. This included approximately 73,480 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Feb. 7, Air Force and RAF tanker crews flew 50 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.3 million pounds of fuel to 277 receiving aircraft.