Dec. 31 airpower summary: B-1Bs deliver punch

  • Published
SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 31, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II performed a show of force with flares to deter enemy activities in Tarin Kowt. During another mission in the same area, A-10s engaged an enemy structure with a guided bomb unit-38 and an enemy mortar position with a GBU-12. The missions were reported as successful an on-scene joint terminal attack controller.

An Air Force B-1B Lancer targeted an enemy bunker with a GBU-31 and GBU-38s in Now Zad. A JTAC reported the mission a success.

An Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle engaged enemy combatants in a bunker with GBU-38s and a GBU-12 in Lashkar Ghar. The mission was assessed as successful by a JTAC.

An A-10 performed a show of force to deter enemy activities in Gardez. The show of force was deemed a success by a JTAC.

During a mission in Qalat, a B-1B targeted enemy combatants with GBU-31s and GBU-38s. The enemy combatants were engaging friendly forces in the area. A JTAC reported that the mission was successful.

An A-10 performed a show of force in Gardez and a show of force with flares in Tarin Kowt. French Mirage 2000s conducted shows of force in Orgune. A show of force was performed by a B-1B in Morghab. Shows of force were conducted by F-15s in Qal-e-Naw. Each show of force was performed to deter enemy activates in the area. These missions were reported as a success by a JTAC.

In total, 38 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Eight Air Force and Royal Air Force surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan.

In Iraq, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons performed a strike with GBU-38s on a structure used by al-Qaida. The structure was completely destroyed. The mission was reported as successful by a JTAC.

To deter enemy activities, a RAF Tornado GR-4 performed a show of force in Baqubah and shows of force were preformed in Basrah. The shows of force were reported as successful by a JTAC.

F-16s destroyed a house-borne improvised explosive device with GBU-38s in Baqubah.

Navy F/A-18E Super Hornets performed shows of force with flares to deter enemy activities in Umm Qasr and Basrah. The missions were reported successful.

F-16s performed a show of force with flares to deter enemy activities in Baghdad. The show of force was deemed successful by a JTAC.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 67 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.

Nineteen Air Force, Navy and Royal Australian Air Force surveillance and Reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support 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 126 airlift sorties were flown, 761 tons of cargos were delivered, and 2,034 passengers were transported. This included approximately 60,000 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

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

On Dec. 30, Air Force, French and RAF tanker crews flew 43 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.7 million pounds of fuel to 231 receiving aircraft.