Nov. 6 airpower summary: B-1Bs provide cover

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

In Afghanistan, a Navy F/A-18 Hornet engaged enemy combatants with guided bomb unit-38s in Tarin Kowt. The enemy combatants were participating in hostile activities against coalition forces. The on-scene joint terminal attack controller reported the mission was successful.

An Air Force B1-B Lancer struck an enemy firing position with a GBU-38 in Nowzad. The strike suppressed attacks against friendly forces by enemy fire, and the firing position was reported as destroyed.

During the same strike in Nowzad, a French Mirage 2000 aided by a French F-1CR used GBU-12s against enemy firing positions. The JTAC declared the mission was successful.

A Royal Air Force GR-9 Harrier destroyed used an enhanced paveway II munition to destroy a bunker used by enemy combatants in Garmsir. Coalition forces in the area reported the strike as a success. 

During an armed overwatch to support coalition forces, F/A-18s performed shows of force with flares to deter enemy activity in Kabul and Orgune. The JTAC declared the missions was successful.

A Navy F/A-18 performed a show of force with flares to deter enemy activities in Gereshk. The mission was assessed as successful by the JTAC.

Enemy mortar positions were engaged by a B1-B with a GBU-31 in Nowzad. The JTAC reported the intended targets were destroyed and deemed the mission was successful.

An F/A-18 performed a show of force to deter enemy activities near a coalition forces checkpoint in Qalat. The demonstration was reported as successful.

An RAF GR-7 Harrier conducted a show of force to deter enemy activities while a coalition convoy traveled through Orgune. The mission was reported as successful.

A Mirage 2000 accompanied by an F-1 CR conducted shows of force to deter enemy activities against a coalition convoy in Orgune. The JTAC confirmed the mission as successful.

Shows of force with flares were conducted by F/A-18s to deter enemy activities against coalition forces in Sangin and Gereshk. The JTAC confirmed the missions as a success.

In total, 41 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Eight Air Force and RAF intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan.

In Iraq, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs strafed enemy positions with cannon fire in Salman Pak. The cannon rounds hit the intended targets; a tower and buildings occupied by enemy combatants firing upon coalition forces. The mission was declared successful by the JTAC.

An Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon destroyed an anti-aircraft artillery position and weapons cache with a GBU-38 in Baghdad. The JTAC confirmed that the mission was successful.

In support of a coalition convoy, an F-16 conducted a show of force to deter enemy activities in Al Kut. The mission was deemed successful by the JTAC.

An F-16 performed a show of force to deter enemy activities in Baghdad. The JTAC reported the mission as a success.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 53 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-three Air Force and Navy, and Royal Australian Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, two 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 128 airlift sorties were flown; 490 tons of cargos were delivered, and 3,485 passengers were transported.

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

On Nov. 5, Air Force, French, and RAF tankers flew 40 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.2 million pounds of fuel to 181 receiving aircraft.