Feb. 4 airpower summary: C-130s provide support for coalition

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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, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle conducted a show of force in order to deter enemy activities in the vicinity of Kajaki Dam. The on-scene joint terminal attack controller declared the mission successful.

An Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-38s on positions in Kandahar where improvised explosive devices were located. The mission was declared successful by the JTAC.

In the areas of Gereshk and Sangin, a Royal Air Force GR-7 Harrier performed shows of force in order to deter enemy activities. The JTAC reported the mission as a success.

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

Ten 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, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons dropped GBU-38s in order to destroy a weapons cache near Baqubah. The JTAC confirmed the mission as successful.

In Al Kut, a British Tornado GR-4, and a Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet performed shows of force in order to deter enemy activities. The missions were declared successful by the JTAC.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 63 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-two Air Force, Navy, and Royal Australian Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, four Navy 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 119 airlift sorties were flown; 269 tons of cargo were delivered and 1,667 passengers were transported. This included approximately 68,080 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Feb. 3, Air Force and RAF tanker crews flew 45 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.1 million pounds of fuel to 266 receiving aircraft.