Nov. 30 airpower summary: B-1Bs provide overwatch

  • Published
SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Nov. 30, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles employed guided bomb unit-38s to suppress enemy activities near Garmsir. The on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed the strike as successful as the bombs struck the intended target.

A Royal Air Force GR-9 Harrier performed a show of force to deter enemy activities northeast of Kandahar. The mission was reported as successful by the JTAC.

Enemy combatants were struck with GBU-38s dropped from an Air Force B-1B Lancer in Sangin. In addition, a GBU-31 was dropped against enemy positions in Shkin. The bombs impacted on the intended targets with good hits. The JTAC assessed both missions was successful.

Multiple enemy bunkers were destroyed by GBU-31s during a strike conducted by a B-1B in Deh Rawod. The strike hit and destroyed the targets. The JTAC confirmed the mission as a success.

An F-15E conducted a show of force to deter enemy activities located south of Ghazni. The mission was reported by the JTAC as successful.

Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs performed shows of force over enemy positions located northwest of Qalat. The demonstration deterred enemy activities in the area. The JTAC deemed the mission was successful.

A show of force with flares was conducted by an F-15E to deter enemy activities in Zormat. The JTAC declared the mission as a success.

In total, 42 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Five Air Force intellignece, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan.

In Iraq, an Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon performed a show of force with flares to deter Al Qaeda activities in Balad. The JTAC assessed the mission was successful.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 41 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.

Twenty-nine Air Force, Navy, and RAF intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq.

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 153 airlift sorties were flown; 321 tons of cargos were delivered, and 3,571 passengers were transported. This included approximately 52,200 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 Nov. 29, Air Force, French, and RAF tankers flew 39 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.6 million pounds of fuel to 202 receiving aircraft.