Jan. 5 airpower summary: B-1B conducts precision strikes

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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. 5, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer conducted several missions with bombs dropped against enemy combatants and positions. The B-1B dropped guided bomb unit-31s and GBU-38s on enemy compounds in Gereshk. Additionally, enemy positions and mortar sites located in the Asadabad area were hit with GBU-31s and GBU-38s. An on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed the strikes achieved the desired effects.

An Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle engaged enemy combatants by dropping a GBU-31 in Nangalam. Enemy personnel were in contact against coalition forces in the area. The strike destroyed the intended target, according to a JTAC.

Enemy firing positions were struck by GBU-31s dropped from a B-1B in Bari Kowt. A JTAC declared the mission as successful.

An Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II performed shows of force to deter enemy activities in Sangin. The missions were reported by a JTAC as successful.

An F-15E conducted shows of force with flares to deter enemy activities in Gereshk. A JTAC deemed the missions as a success.

In total, 19 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, Navy F/A-18E Hornets engaged enemy mortar positions by dropping GBU-38s in Baghdad. A weapons cache was also struck during the strike. The mission was assessed as successful by a JTAC.

An Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon performed a show of force to deter suspected enemy activities northeast of Balad.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 50 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 surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, four Navy 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 126 airlift sorties were flown, 486 tons of cargo were delivered and 2,967 passengers were transported. This included approximately 6,000 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Jan. 4, Air Force, RAF and French tanker crews flew 40 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.4 million pounds of fuel to 211 receiving aircraft.