Jan. 14 airpower summary: A-10 shows 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. 14, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped a guided bomb unit-31 on an enemy compound near Kajaki Dam. An on-scene joint terminal attack controller reported the mission a success. 

Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped GBU-38s on various enemy positions in Nangalam. The missions were declared successful by a JTAC.

An Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II conducted a show of force over coalition positions near Khowst to deter enemy activities. A JTAC confirmed the mission a success. 

An F-15E performed a show of force to deter enemy activities in Khowst. The mission was reported a success by a JTAC.

A Royal Air Force GR-7 Harrier conducted shows of force over several locations in Musa Qal'eh to deter enemy activities. A JTAC declared the missions successful.

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

Four Air Force and RAF surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan.

In Iraq, a B-1B dropped GBU-38s on an enemy boat ramp and river crossing destroying the targets. The mission was confirmed successful by a JTAC. 

An Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon destroyed an enemy location (foot bridge), by dropping GBU-38s on the target in Latifiyah. Additionally, the F-16 performed a show of force near the same area to further deter enemy activities. A JTAC reported the missions as successful.

An F-16 destroyed improvised explosive devices near Baghdad by dropping GBU-38s on different locations. The mission was declared a success by a JTAC. 

An F-16 destroyed a deeply buried IED and a vehicle borne IED by dropping a GBU-12 and GBU-38s on the targets in Baqubah. A JTAC confirmed the mission as a success.

A RAF GR-4 Tornado performed a show of force south of Baqubah, to clear a village of enemy combatants.

An Air Force MQ-1 Predator successfully destroyed a VBIED near Baqubah by deploying Hellfire missiles.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 59 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.

Ten Air Force, Navy and Royal Australian Air Force 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 aircraft and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intra-theater heavy airlift support, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 128 airlift sorties were flown, 366 tons of cargo were delivered, and 3,480 passengers were transported. This included approximately 80,000 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Jan. 13, Air Force and RAF tanker crews flew 44 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.7 million pounds of fuel to 254 receiving aircraft.