Jan. 30 airpower summary: C-17s deliver the goods

  • Published
Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Jan. 30, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped a ground bomb unit-38 in order to destroy an enemy mortar position in Now Zad. An on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed that the mission was successful. 

An Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II performed a show of force to deter enemy activities in Bermal. The mission was reported a success by a JTAC.

In total, 42 close-air-support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Eight Air Force and Navy 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 dropped GBU-38s in order to destroy an enemy weapons cache in Baqubah. A JTAC declared the mission was a success. 

A British GR-4 Tornado dropped an enhanced paveway II munition to destroy a previously downed unmanned aerial vehicle that was suspected to be booby trapped in Baqubah. A JTAC confirmed that the mission was a success. 

F-16s performed shows of force to deter enemy activities  in Baghdad and Tikrit. A JTAC reported that the missions were successful.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 48 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-three Air Force and Navy intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, four 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 127 airlift sorties were flown, 644 tons of cargo were delivered, and 2,303 passengers were transported. This included approximately 24,000 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 Jan. 29, Air Force and RAF tanker crews flew 43 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.9 million pounds of fuel to 238 receiving aircraft.