Jan. 7 airpower summary: C-130s deliver troops, supplies where needed

  • Published
SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Jan. 7, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force B1-B Lancer engaged enemy combatants in Nangalam by dropping a guided bomb unit-31. Coalition forces were engaging enemy personnel in firing positions. An on-scene joint terminal attack controller reported the mission was a success.
 
In total, six close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Three Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan.   Additionally, two Royal Air Force aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons destroyed improvised explosive devices by dropping several bombs on targets north of Babil. The F-16 pilots dropped GBU-38s and GBU-12s on house-borne IEDs. In addition, the F-16s dropped GBU-38s on IEDs emplaced in fields. The JTAC confirmed the bombs destroyed the intended targets.

An F-16 dropped a GBU-38 on a cave located in Baqubah. Enemy combatants were using the cave as a mortar firing position. The strike was declared by the JTAC as successful.

An RAF Tornado GR-4 conducted a show of force to deter enemy action in Baqubah. The mission was deemed a success.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 69 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions supported coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided over watch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Twenty-three Air Force, Navy and RAF ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, six Air Force, Navy and RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

U.S. 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. 

Some 116 airlift sorties were flown, 319 tons of cargo were delivered and 2,856 passengers were transported. Airlift included approximately 30,400 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Jan. 6, U.S. Air Force, French and RAF tanker crews flew 37 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.0 million pounds of fuel to 177 receiving aircraft.