Feb. 5 airpower summary: F-16s support coalition forces in Iraq

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

In Afghanistan, British GR-7 Harriers performed shows of force in order to deter enemy activities in Sangin. The on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed that the missions were successful.

In total, 17 close-air-support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Ten Air Force and Royal 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 dropped guided bomb unit-38s and a GBU-31 in order to destroy house-borne improvised explosive devices in Baqubah. The JTAC reported that the missions were successful.

In order to deter enemy forces, F-16s performed shows of force in Mosul. The missions were declared successful by the JTAC.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 66 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-one Air Force and Navy 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 113 airlift sorties were flown; 344 tons of cargo were delivered and 2,907 passengers were transported.

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

On Feb. 3, Air Force and RAF tanker crews flew 46 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.1 million pounds of fuel to 241 receiving aircraft.