Feb. 20 airpower: Coalition tankers refuel the fleet

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNEWS) --  U.S. Central Command Air Forces officials have released the airpower summary for Feb. 20.

 In Afghanistan Feb.19, Air Force F-15 Eagles conducted a strike against an enemy staging point in a cave near Pech. The F-15s dropped guided bomb unit-31 joint direct attack munitions one meter above the cave entrance to deny the enemy access to equipment and weapons suspected to be inside. Review of the F-15s' camera footage indicated successful impact of all weapons.

An Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped a GBU-38 on an enemy firing position near Now Zad. The target was a direct hit with no collateral damage according to the joint terminal attack controller on the ground. The B-1B also dropped a GBU-31 on a cave entrance in the same area. The JTAC confirmed the cave entrance was closed and additional air strikes were not required.

U.S. Navy F/A-18 Hornets provided close-air support for International Security Assistance Force troops receiving enemy mortar fire near Now Zad. One of the strike fighters dropped a GBU-12 on the enemy position after it was marked with smoke by a JTAC. The JTAC confirmed the weapon impacted the target successfully.

The F/A-18s also conducted strafe runs using cannon rounds on a row of buildings containing enemy personnel in the same area. The JTAC confirmed a "good effect."

Immediately following the strafe runs, a possible rocket propelled grenade was fired at one of the F/A-18s. The JTAC warned the pilot who immediately broke left and expended four flares. The pilot noted two black puffs of smoke approximately 1,000 and 2,000 feet behind the aircraft and climbed while expending three more flares. The pilot noted no further evidence of engagement.

Shortly thereafter, the other F/A-18 conducted an additional strafe run after the JTAC reported that ground forces were still receiving small arms fire. The JTAC reported a "good effect."  The F/A-18 then responded to a request from the ground forces commander through the JTAC to drop a GBU-38 on enemy troops in an open location. The JTAC confirmed a successful hit.

In total, 37 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan troops, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Seven Air Force and Royal Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, or ISR, aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan . Additionally, U.S. Navy fighter aircraft performed in non-traditional ISR roles with their electro-optical and infrared sensors.

In Iraq , Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons provided a show of force to deter potential vehicle-borne IED attackers moving on coalition troops near Baghdad . The F-16s presence prevented further attacks from occurring.

Other Air Force F-16s were assigned to survey a marsh near Basrah. An F-16 pilot reported 10 to 20 boats traveling from the north to the south along the western portion of the marsh. 

Other Air Force F-16s were assigned to search for enemy activity in an area near Baghdad . An F-16 pilot observed approximately ten personnel in the area and reported them to an on-scene JTAC who sent a patrol to the location to investigate.

Air Force F-16s also were tasked to observe a compound for enemy activity near Taji. An F-16 pilot observed several individuals loading a vehicle with suspected weapons and transporting them to a possible mortar site where two heat sources were detected. The pilot also observed individuals burying something at the same location and reported all activity to the JTAC to be relayed to the ground commander.

Other Air Force F-16s were assigned to observe roads for IED placement and counter mortar/rocket surveillance near Basrah. The F-16 pilots observed a rocket launch in a street with groups of people near the launch site and immediately relayed the information and coordinates to the JTAC.

Air Force F-16 pilots continued to monitor the area and observed individuals dragging objects into a compound. The JTAC later confirmed three individuals were detained at the launch site for further questioning.

JTACs are highly trained Airmen who advise ground commanders on appropriate air power support, relay a ground commander's intent to air power assets overhead and communicate with aircrews for precision engagement.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 46 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions included support to coalition troops, infrastructure protection, reconstruction activities and operations to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Additionally, 16 Air Force, Navy and Royal Australian Air Force ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq.  An Air Force fighter aircraft performed in a non-traditional ISR role with electro-optical and infrared sensors.

Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intra-theater heavy airlift support, helping sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa. Nearly 155 airlift sorties were flown; more than 375 tons of cargo were delivered, and approximately 3,200 passengers were transported.

Coalition C-130 crews from Australia , Canada and Japan flew in support of OIF or OEF.

On Feb. 18, Air Force, Royal Air Force and French tankers flew 32 sorties and off-loaded more than 2.1 million pounds of fuel which is the equivalent of approximately 52 full fuel trucks.