Jan. 6 airpower summary: F-16 supports Iraqi missions

  • Published
SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Jan. 6, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle destroyed a disabled vehicle with a guided bomb unit-31 in Tarin Kowt. The mission was reported as a success by an on-scene joint terminal attack controller. 

F-15Es engaged enemy firing positions with cannon rounds in Kajaki Dam. A JTAC reported the mission as successful.

F-15Es performed shows of force in Orgune and Musa Qala. French Mirage 2000s conducted shows of force in Gereshk and Kandahar. Shows of force are performed to deter enemy activities in a specific area. The missions were reported as successful by a JTAC.

In total, 45 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

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

In Iraq, an Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon destroyed a house-borne improvised explosive device with a GBU-38 in Baghdad. A JTAC reported the house was completely destroyed.

RAF GR-4 Tornados engaged a structure containing enemy combatants with Enhanced Paveway II munitions in Baqubah. The enemy combatants were engaging friendly forces with small arms fire and rocket propelled grenades. The mission was reported as successful by a JTAC.

A show of force was performed by a GR-4 to deter enemy activities in Baghdad. A JTAC reported the show of force as a success.

An F-16 destroyed an enemy structure with a GBU-38 in Babil. The mission was reported as a success by a JTAC.

Enemy targets were engaged by F-16s with cannon rounds and a GBU-12s in Nasiriyah. The mission was reported as successful by a JTAC.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 43 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-one Air Force, Navy and Royal Australian Air Force surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, two Air Force 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, 434 tons of cargo were delivered, and 3,422 passengers were transported. This included approximately 87,000 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Jan. 5, Air Force, French and RAF tanker crews flew 44 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.5 million pounds of fuel to 196 receiving aircraft.