Jan. 21 airpower summary: F-16s provide 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. 21, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force B-1B Lancers dropped guided bomb unit-38s on an enemy compound near Deh Rawod, successfully destroying the target.

In Asadabad, shows of force were performed by Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles in order to deter enemy activities in the area. The shows of force were declared successful by the on-scene joint terminal attack controller.

Shows of force were conducted in Orgune by both an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II and an F-15E. The shows of force were conducted to deter enemy activities in the area. Both missions were reported as successful by the JTAC.

A French Air Force Mirage-2000 performed a show of force over a coalition forces convoy in the vicinity of Musa Qala. The JTAC confirmed the mission a success.

An A-10 conducted a show of force over enemy positions near Bagram to deter enemy activities in the area. The mission was declared a success by the JTAC.

In Now Zad, a Royal Air Force GR-7 Harrier performed a show of force to demonstrate air power was in the area. The JTAC reported the mission was a success.

An F-15E conducted a show of force near Uruzgan to deter enemy activities. The mission was confirmed as 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.

Eight 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 Falcon dropped a GBU-38 in order to destroy house-borne improvised explosive devices in Baqubah. The JTAC declared the mission as a success.

In Baghdad, Navy F-18 Hornets, an F-18 Hornet, and an F-18 Super Hornet dropped a GBU-12 and GBU-38s in order to destroy enemy structures and combatants. The missions were confirmed successful by the JTAC.

In order to deter enemy activities in Baghdad, Navy F-18 Super Hornets performed shows of force. The JTAC reported the missions were successful.

In Basrah, shows of force were performed by F-18s in order to deter enemy activities. The JTAC declared the missions were successful.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 60 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-one Air Force and Navy 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 and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intra-theater heavy airlift support, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 140 airlift sorties were flown; 521 tons of cargo were delivered, and 3,070 passengers were transported. This included approximately 24,000 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Jan. 20, Air Force, French, and RAF tanker crews flew 45 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3 million pounds of fuel to 270 receiving aircraft.