Jan. 22 airpower summary: F-15s conduct show of force

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Jan. 22, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer destroyed enemy observation points by dropping guided bomb unit-38s in Qualat. The missions were declared successful by the on-scene Joint Terminal Attack Controller.

In Deh Rawod, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles performed shows of force in order to deter enemy activities, and dropped GBU-38s in order to destroy enemy compounds housing weapons. The JTAC confirmed the missions were successful.

An enemy compound was destroyed in Garmser by British GR-7 Harriers using enhanced paveway II munitions. The JTAC reported that the mission was successful.

In Musa Qal'eh, a show of force was performed by a French Mirage 2000 in order to deter enemy activities. The JTAC declared that the mission was successful.

In order to deter enemy activities in Sangin, a show of force was performed by an F-15. The success of the mission was confirmed by the JTAC.

In Orgune, F-15s performed shows of force in order to deter enemy activities. The missions were reported successful by the JTAC.

In total, 41 close-air-support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Nine 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 conducted shows of force over a coalition forces convoy and in order to deter enemy activities in the areas of Safwan and Al Kut. The JTAC declared the missions as successful.

Navy F/A-18 Super Hornets performed shows of force near Basrah to deter enemy activities in the area. The missions were reported as successful by the JTAC.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 61 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions supported 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, six Navy and RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance. 

Air Force C-130 Hercules and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intra-theater heavy airlift support, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 145 airlift sorties were flown; 558 tons of cargo were delivered, and 3,184 passengers were transported. This included approximately 15,000 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Jan. 21, Air Force, French, and RAF tanker crews flew 42 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.9 million pounds of fuel to 252 receiving aircraft.